Hi everyone!
On 6 December 2026, I’ll be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life — my first-ever full-distance IRONMAN in Western Australia ๐โ๏ธ๐ดโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ
This journey isn’t just about endurance. It’s about purpose.
To mark this challenge, I am raising funds for the ๐Perron Institute๐ — a leading medical research centre that creates real change in the lives of those affected by neurological conditions ๐ง ๐ฉ๐ฌ.
Neurodegenerative disorders like dementia are devastating for those affected, their loved ones and carers. As some of you may know, my lovely Nana, Pamela๐, battled her way through Alzheimer's disease for over 15 years. Watching someone you love slowly lose parts of who they are is heartbreaking. And it's why this cause is so close to my heart ๐.
In the neurological field, Perron Institute scientists are leading the way in translating science into effective treatments. However, they need more funding to continue their vital work. Every donation — big or small — helps fund research into dementia and brings us closer to better treatments and outcomes.
If you’re able, I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference, and sharing this page helps just as much ๐ค.
๐๐Thank you so very much for your compassion, generosity, and for contributing towards changing the lives of those we love๐๐
Training starts now — thank you for being part of this journey with me!
If you would like to read more on the specific research that is conducted by the team please read below...
๐๐PERRON INSTITUTE DEMENTIA RESEARCH INFORMATION๐๐
Dementia research falls under our bone-brain axis research group headed by Professor Minghao Zheng:
High Level Summary
Group Mission: Using breakthroughs from orthopaedic research to improve the treatment of neurological disorders.
Case for Support:
- Understanding the connection between bone fractures and dementia, with the goal of developing better treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and osteoporosis.
- Testing a patented device that supports nerve repair, designed to help damaged nerves heal and regenerate more effectively.
- Exploring how proteins found in our bones may affect the brain, and what this could mean for understanding and treating dementia.
Bone and Brain Axis Research Description
The human body relies on vital functions of multiple organs. Our bones act as the body’s scaffolds, whereas our brain controls intelligence, senses, body movement and behaviour. Bones and the brain seemed to function independently until we learnt recently that the rate of dementia is over 40% higher in elderly people who have suffered bone fractures. How different organ systems communicate and work together remains unclear. The Bone – Kidney axis serves as one of the best examples of organ systems interaction and illustrates how bones regulate the functions of another organ. The Bone and Brain Axis Research group, led by Professor Minghao Zheng, is exploring the interaction between bones and the brain, in particular the relationship between bone fractures and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The vision of the group is to transform knowledge and technologies developed in orthopaedics into treatments for neurological disorders.
Honouring Professor Minghao Zheng
Professor Minhao Zheng was honoured on Australia Day 2026 with a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to orthopaedic research and regenerative medicine. Professor Zheng is a global leader in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal and neuro tissue engineering. He has pioneered the development of naturally derived biomaterials and biological therapies to treat trauma affecting nerves, cartilage, tendons, and bones. His groundbreaking research in the development of collagen device and biomineralisation composite platform technologies has significantly advanced the understanding of musculoskeletal diseases and improved treatment outcomes for patients with orthopaedic conditions and neurotrauma.
