When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2006, my long held dream of voyaging to the remote south looked more out of reach than ever. But thanks to the support of many individuals and organisations, this dream was realised and the Voyaging South project became a reality.

Heritage Expeditions provided a scholarship berth on their Galapagos of the Southern Ocean expedition (22/12/15-3/1/16), and Australian Geographic supported the project.

I was awarded two grants to finance the project: an MS Australia Go for Gold Scholarship; and My Choice Matters, through their Run Projects initiative met significant project costs.

Kathmandu provided a discount voucher for purchasing clothing, including the all-important wet weather gear. Students from Toorak College in Melbourne raffled a book donated by the author Barry Heard, and generously donated the money raised to my crowd funding campaign.

Family, friends, and colleagues generously donated to my crowd funding campaign, and offered proof reading services, IT troubleshooting, suggestions and references, introductions to experts who shared their knowledge, book loans and listened to ideas. Matt is ever encouraging.

I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received to pursue this opportunity, thank you all.

Liz Hajenko, November 2015