13 January 2026: Brisbane’s Miles family has been awarded MS Australia’s prestigious 2025 John Studdy Award, recognising more than a decade of outstanding, selfless service to the MS community across Queensland.
The John Studdy Award is MS Australia’s highest honour. It recognises individuals or groups who have provided at least 10 years of exceptional service that has made a real and lasting difference to people living with MS and the wider community that supports them.
The family’s journey began in 2013 when Jess Miles was diagnosed with MS at just 27 years of age. From that moment, Jess and her parents, Jan and Glenn, sister Amy and other family members committed themselves to raising awareness and building support for people living with MS, launching “Team Walk for Jess” for the MS Moonlight Walk that same year.
Over the past 12 years, the Miles Family have raised more than $176,000 for MS Queensland through an extraordinary series of grassroots efforts, including monthly fundraising barbecues, raffles, high teas, luncheons, and partnerships with local businesses. Their events have brought awareness, encouragement and hope to countless Queenslanders affected by MS.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Jan Miles said the recognition was deeply meaningful.
“We started this journey to support Jess, and along the way we have met so many people who needed connection and understanding.
“That is what keeps us going. The ripple effect of community support is what matters most,” Ms Miles said.
As Jan also shared during the ceremony, the scale of their fundraising becomes clear when you hear the numbers: more than 37,000 sausages, close to a tonne of onions and hundreds of litres of tomato sauce cooked and served over more than a decade. The light-hearted detail reflects years of energy, humour and community spirit behind their efforts.
Their community work has extended far beyond fundraising, supporting people newly diagnosed with MS and building a network of care and connection that has impacted many across Brisbane and surrounding regions.
Jan also thanked the volunteers and supporters who have stood beside the family for more than a decade.
“We have been lucky to have people step forward to help at every stage.
“We will continue to raise awareness, share stories and support others on their MS journey, ” Mrs Miles said.
MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland said the Miles family has shown the kind of service and leadership that the John Studdy Award exists to recognise.
“Their dedication, compassion and leadership have brought people together and provided hope to many.
“Their impact has reached far beyond fundraising. They have built connections and strengthened the MS community across Queensland. This recognition is richly deserved,” Mr Greenland said.
MS Queensland CEO David Curd said the Miles family’s dedication has touched many lives and represents the very best of Queensland community spirit.
“The way Jess, Jan, Glenn and Family have turned their own experience into support for others is extraordinary.
They have shown up year after year, offering kindness, encouragement and practical help to people who need it, and their generosity has changed lives across Queensland.” Mr Curd said.
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About the MS Australia Awards
The MS Australia Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable people driving change, compassion and progress across the MS community.
2025 MS Australia recipients are Professor Bruce Taylor and Professor Helmut Butzkueven, co-recipients of the MS Research Award, MS Nurse and advocate Belinda Bardsley, recipient of the MS Advocacy Award, and the Miles family (Jess, Jan and Glenn), recipients of the John Studdy Award.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
media@msaustralia.org.au
Lisa Montague – 0412 002 544
Jayme Markus – 0401 944 905