The MS community is brimming with extraordinary people whose remarkable efforts inspire us all. Today on The Raw Nerve, we celebrate some of these outstanding individuals and discuss why and how to nominate someone special for the 2025 MS Australia Awards.

We talk with the recipients of our 2024 Awards who have made incredible contributions for and out in the Australian MS community.

You will hear about the prestigious John Studdy Award and our new Research Award and Advocacy Award, which shine a light on people doing wonderful things.

Our guests talk about their passion for giving back, as well as the deep significance of their awards and you will hear how you can nominate, recognise and applaud someone you know for their remarkable contributions.

The MS Australia Awards spotlight the amazing people, local heroes and those humble, ‘quiet achievers’ driving change, compassion, and progress across the MS community. From dedicated researchers, passionate advocates, volunteers, and carers to longtime champions whose impact spans a decade or more, these awards recognise individuals, many living with MS, whose efforts uplift, empower, and inspire. To nominate someone for the 2025 MS Research Award and/or the MS Advocacy Award, complete the online form on our website by Sunday 7 September.

Our guests today are:

• Lynda Whitton – MS Australia 2024 John Studdy Award Winner from Bunbury, Western Australia
• Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott - Senior staff specialist and Conjoint Professor, John Hunter Medical Research Institute, MS Australia Board Director and MS Australia 2024 MS Research Award Winner from Newcastle, New South Wales
• Marianne Gaul AM - MS Australia 2024 MS Advocacy Award Winner, MS Plus Peer Support champion and enthusiastic participant and fundraiser for The May 50K from Tamworth, New South Wales
• Sharlene Brown - MS Australia Board Director, Chair of the MS Australia Awards Committee (which includes the John Studdy Award) and Chair of the Advocacy Committee

All four have extensive and deep connections to MS and the MS community.