Victorians have paused today to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of AFL great, Neale Daniher, to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and raise money for vital research to find a cure for the fatal disease.
Tens of thousands of football fans turned out at the MCG today for the Big Freeze 8 to watch stars including Ash Barty, Hamish Blake and Eddie Betts take a slide and an icy dunk in the aid of a great cause.
Mr Daniher, a former Essendon Football Club captain and coach of the Melbourne Football Club, was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and has since inspired the nation with his efforts to progress treatments and find a cure for the condition he calls “The Beast”.
“I thank the Victorian Government for their ongoing support and significant contribution to the fight against MND,” he said.
“These funds will be invested in urgent MND research to find better treatments and a cure for this Beast of a disease.”
The Victorian Government has pledged $250,000 to help FightMND reach its target of
raising $2 million by half time of today’s Melbourne v Collingwood match. The donation builds on $6 million previously donated by the Government to the Big Freeze and FightMND since 2014.
FightMND has invested more than $55 million since its creation in 2014 in research including drug development and clinical trials, providing hope that a cure will be found for a disease that an estimated 2,100 Australians live with each day.
The state government recognised Mr Daniher’s contribution to Victorian life with the declaration last year of ‘Daniher’s Way’ – the path that leads from William Barak Bridge’s landing in Yarra Park to the MCG and which will be traversed today by fans of many colours united by the blue Big Freeze beanie.
“It’s hard to think of a more inspiring person than Neale Daniher – the work he has done for others when faced with a devastating diagnosis is truly remarkable,” said Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews.
“It’s great to be back at the MCG today and we’re proud to support Neale’s fight. Every day it brings us closer to finding a cure to this terrible disease.”
To support the quest to find a cure for MND, buy a beanie or go to fightmnd.org.au.
