Get to Know MSWA Board Member: John Patmore

What motivated you to join the MSWA board?

I was diagnosed with MS in 2020. After this and prior to joining the board, I dedicated a lot of time to learning about MS—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, its risk factors, and how it progresses. I also sought out opportunities to connect with the MS community, through support groups, attending events, fundraising, and contributing to research programs. In 2022 I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to join the Board, and it was one I grabbed with both hands. It felt like a natural way to give back, help others living with MS, and be part of an organization that has played such a significant role in my own MS journey.

How does your career background, set you up for your role as a Board Member?

My professional background is in technology, and I'm also a recent Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  I believe technology is becoming a more important skill set in the boardroom. With advancements in areas like AI and cybersecurity, we face new risks, but also exciting opportunities to improve how we operate and serve the MS community. I hope that my experience can help MSWA navigate these challenges and make the most of the opportunities ahead. As someone living with MS, I bring that personal perspective and lived experience, which I think is also important. 

What is your favourite memory or achievement as part of the MSWA Board?

Although I still feel relatively new to the Board, there have been a few standout moments over the past two years. One highlight is the Platypus clinical trial in Australia, which MSWA is a funder of. This trial is focused on achieving positive outcomes for people living with progressive MS, and it's exciting to see the potential impact it could have. Another highlight has been MSWA's work in refreshing our strategy to place an even greater emphasis on the positive difference we can make. I’ve also really enjoyed visiting various MSWA sites, meeting our incredible staff and clients, and seeing what we do in action.

When you have time off, what would we find you doing? 

I love cycling and have taken part in the Ocean Ride a few times, though I haven’t had as much time for it lately as I’d like! I’m a big fan of technology and enjoy tinkering with home automation projects—much to the amusement (and sometimes annoyance) of my family. I enjoy photography and enjoy flying my drone whenever we go out or on holiday.  I also enjoy travelling - and recently got to take my family back to the UK, where I'm from, which was the first time I have been back in 10 years!

If you could imagine one thing for MSWA in 10 years, what would it be?

Curing MS for those that have it and preventing others getting it!  There has been so much progress over recent years, there's a lot more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatments that stop the progression of the disease. I believe it's a matter of "when," not "if," before MS becomes a thing of the past, and I’d love to see MSWA continue to play a key role in that journey.