The GIANTS have donned blue beanies in support of the Big Freeze at the ‘G and the Cure for MND Foundation.
The Big Freeze at the 'G returns this year at the Melbourne Demon’s Queen’s Birthday game in support of Neale Daniher’s efforts to raise money to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.
Last year, Daniher and his team raised more than $2.5 million, in the largest ever charity/football fundraising activity.
The football world have got behind the cause with the entire GIANTS squad training in Cure for MND beanies on Tuesday.
The club purchased 55 beanies, donating $1100 to the cause and will continue to support fundraising efforts across this week and going forward.
The Cure for MND foundation is a not-for-profit foundation established in 2014. They aim to raise the profile of Motor Neurone Disease within Australia and abroad.
It’s hoped that increased awareness may lead to not only better care for those affected by the disease, but also increased funding for vital research into finding a cure. Every 12 hours someone gets diagnosed with MND in Australia and every 12 hours someone dies.
About two Australians die a day from the disease, which progressively robs sufferers of the use of arms, legs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe but normally does not affect their mind and senses. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 27 months.
The disease hit home for the footballing world when former Essendon champion and Melbourne Demons coach Neale Daniher was diagnosed with the disease in 2013.
Debuting for the Essendon Bombers in 1979, Neale is one of four brothers making up part of the Daniher football legacy. His football career, although dogged by injury, was well respected with Neale winning wide spread praise and accolades for his actions both on and off the field.
With no known cure for the disease, Daniher has set up the Cure for MND Foundation and dedicated the remainder of his life to educating Australians about MND.
The second Big Freeze at the ‘G will be held on the Queen’s Birthday as the Demons take on Collingwood at the MCG.
Several of Australia’s best and most well know football and media personalities will take on the challenge and freeze for MND.
Each have pledged to raise $10,000 for vital MND research after being nominated, and once successful at hitting the target, they then get to pass on the challenge and nominate the next personality into the “cold seat”
Before Monday’s game, they’ll all head down a GIANT slide at the MCG and be dunked in a giant ice pool!
While the GIANTS can’t be at the game, they’re proud to support this cause and help cure MND. Visit curemnd.org.au for more information and if you can, donate today.
