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Motor Neurone Disease has Big Freeze fundraiser at Bairnsdale Oval with Darren Chester 10 June 2023

Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, participates in Big Freeze fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease. Supports FightMND and encourages donations.

By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is expecting an icy reception at Bairnsdale Oval on Saturday, June 10, but it will have nothing to do with politics. The local MP has agreed to join in the Big Freeze to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease at Bairnsdale Football Netball Club. Speaking in Federal Parliament this week, Mr Chester threw his support behind the fundraising drive.

Federal MP Darren Chester sporting a FreezeMND beanie in Canberra this week

Extraordinary inspiration

Mr Chester told the Parliament, "As MPs we are privileged to meet many extraordinary Australians and I include Neale Daniher in my list of courageous, humble, selfless and inspirational people I've had the honour to spend some time with. The Daniher name is synonymous with Australian rules and Neale had a celebrated football career as a player and a coach."

"In his memoir, Neale observes that 'when all is said and done, much more is said than done'. "No-one could accuse Neale Daniher of being a man of incredible passion and action who founded FightMND in 2014 after being diagnosed with the disease that kills two Australians every day. The average life expectancy from diagnosis is 27 months and Neale has lived with the disease for 10 years. FightMND has raised more than $60 million for research and just buying a beanie is one way we can all do our bit." Mr Chester said.

Hopeful support

Neale Daniher has been robbed of his ability to talk but I contacted him and asked for a message I could read to Parliament. This is what Neale wanted to say: "I would like to thank all Australians who have joined in the fight against motor neurone disease. You are part of what I call the FightMND army."

"Whether you have bought a blue big freeze beanie, donated or volunteered, you give people like me and others, living with MND hope for the future. The many millions you have raised has invigorated medical research in Australia and in time we are hopeful this will lead to treatments and ultimately a cure for this insidious disease. Until there is a cure the FightMND army will fight on."

"Thanks again for being part of the fight." Mr Chester will be joining several other locals for an icy plunge at the Bairnsdale Oval and has encouraged Gippslanders to donate to the worthy cause.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com