This year, Mr Barnes will be heading to Russia for a treatment which will help with the symptoms of a condition which can leave people without sight or feeling.

First diagnosed at 31, MS means Mr Barnes suffers from extreme fatigue with the condition attacking him over time.

“Everyday it’s always there,” Mr Barnes wife Hayley said.

“You can see the pattern of where the MS is attacking Adam, it doesn’t creep up – it just attacks.”

Mrs Barnes said her husband was still able to work but the condition meant fatigue was compounded.

“He comes home and the impact of the fatigue is severe. The kids are keen to play, but Adam can’t engage,” she said.

“Fatigue is the one thing that everyone who goes to Russia wants to get rid of.

“There are times when he can’t physically engage – he’s an excellent dad but some days he’s just too exhausted.”

While a diagnosis of MS can be scary – Mrs Barnes said Adam had so much to look forward with the family’s third child, Annabelle.

Annabelle’s birth has added to Mr Barnes’ and his family’s enthusiasm to work towards raising the remaining funds for his treatment.

Mr Barnes will head to Russia in September and has reached three quarters of the fundraising goal.

Starting in February last year, around $70,000 has been raised with an Australia Rules day, cash bingo at the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s Club, regular barbecues at Repco, a colour run and a $10,000 cash raffle.

“To see the support that we’ve all had is pretty uplifting and to know the goal is within reach is great,” Mr Barnes said.

Mr Barnes said it was the support which the Cootamundra community had so willingly offered that allowed the family to take some time off fundraising at the end of last year for Annabelle’s birth and Christmas.

Mrs Barnes said Future Hope MS planned a few events to reach the fundraising goal.

“There will be a wood raffle. We’re planning an art auction for local painters who have donated their paintings,” Mrs Barnes said.

“We’re hoping to put on a concert as a last hurrah to thank the community for their support over the last two years.”

She said Chris Edwards and Geraldine Ryan were also planning an event including musical and dance performances.

“Once Adam’s journey is over, the charity will be passed onto the next person, any funds not used will go to the next person who wants to seek treatment in Russia,” Mrs Barnes said.

With the help of Patchwork on Parker a raffle for a quilt, pillow, lap quilt and bag is running with tickets $2 each.

Sonia Randall from Patchwork on Parker said the ladies from the night patchwork class had each made blocks for the quilt, with Sonia Commins putting them all together to be raffled.

Mr Barnes will draw the winner on March 16.