City-Bay 2026 | $50,000+ Raised for Neurosurgical Research
NRF's City-Bay 2026 team raised over $50,000 for neurosurgical research. Discover the stories and community behind this incredible fundraising effort.
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On the surface, the City-Bay challenge is a physical one. But for the people who took part in this year's NRF team, the reasons for being there went much deeper.
Some came to support research that could help others facing neurological disease. Some walked or ran in honour of someone they love. Others brought their own experiences to the starting line, turning a personal journey into an opportunity to raise awareness and make a difference.
Together, our 81 participants helped raise more than $50,000 for neurosurgical research.
Behind that achievement are stories of resilience, remembrance and hope. Stories that remind us that fundraising is about more than a dollar figure. It's about the people who inspire us, the experiences that shape us and the possibility of a better future.
The Stories Behind the Steps
This year's City-Bay team brought together people with different experiences and different reasons for taking part. Each story is personal, but together they reflect the importance of community and the ongoing need for research.
Cecilia: Walking for Brain Tumour Research
In 2014, Cecilia was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma brain tumour and underwent successful surgery. Six years later, following a seizure, she discovered that her tumour had changed to anaplastic astrocytoma, grade 3.
Since then, Cecilia has navigated further surgery, treatment and ongoing recovery, adapting to the changes life has brought her with incredible determination.
Twelve years after her first diagnosis, Cecilia took on the 12km City-Bay walk, raising funds for brain tumour research along the way. Her decision to participate reflects her personal experience with brain tumours and her commitment to supporting research that may help improve outcomes for others facing similar diagnoses.
Discover more about Cecilia's story and why she chose to support brain tumour research.
Daniela: Raising Awareness for Aneurysms
For Daniela, taking part in the 12km City-Bay was a way to raise awareness and support research inspired by her mum Pierina's experience.
Pierina suffered a frightening brain bleed caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Following procedures, complications, seizures and weeks of uncertainty, her recovery was a journey filled with challenges for both her and her family.
We're so pleased to share that Pierina is now home and doing incredibly well.
Daniela's participation in City-Bay helped shine a light on the impact an aneurysm can have on individuals and their families, while raising funds and awareness for research that can help us better understand and treat these conditions.
Read more about Pierina's journey and Daniela's reason for taking on City-Bay.
Michele: In Memory of Brian
Michele took part in City-Bay in honour of her husband, Brian, whose journey with neurological illness has spanned many years.
Brian was first diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis 25 years ago. Two years ago, the couple's lives changed again when they discovered a new 5cm brain lesion, marking the beginning of their journey with glioblastoma (GBM).
By taking part in City-Bay, Michele honoured Brian while raising funds and awareness to support research. Her story reflects the long and often unexpected journeys families navigate when faced with complex neurological conditions, and the importance of supporting research that can help improve understanding and outcomes.
Learn more about Michele and Brian's story, and the journey that inspired her City-Bay participation.
Sam: Running in Memory of Paul
Sam took on the 12km City-Bay in memory of his dad, Paul, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023 and passed away earlier this year.
For Sam, running was a way to honour his dad's memory while raising funds and awareness for brain tumour research. His participation reflects the personal impact of glioblastoma and the way families continue to carry the memory of someone they love.
Through his City-Bay challenge, Sam helped support research that aims to improve our understanding of brain tumours and work towards better outcomes for people and families in the future.
Discover more about Sam's story and how he is honouring his dad's memory through City-Bay.
Thank You for Being Part of It
An achievement like this doesn't happen without the generosity and commitment of a community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our City-Bay sponsors, Surfacing Contractors Australia, Jones Radiology and Pick a Local Pick SA Fruit and Veg, for supporting our team and helping make this fundraising effort possible.
To every participant who trained, walked, ran and showed up, thank you. To every donor who contributed, shared a fundraising page or encouraged someone along the way, thank you.
Your support helps NRF continue investing in neurosurgical research and supporting the pursuit of better outcomes for patients and families.
More than $50,000 raised. 81 participants. Countless personal reasons to take part.
Every step mattered, and we are so grateful to everyone who took it with us.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
This year's City-Bay fundraising efforts would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
A heartfelt thank you to Surfacing Contractors Australia, Jones Radiology and Pick a Local Pick SA Fruit and Veg for supporting our NRF team.
