Cade Lucas
Not content with plunging people into ice baths, Neale Daniher will this week hit the road to raise money for research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The eighth annual Daniher’s Drive departs from Williamstown on Thursday and despite suffering from the condition he calls “the beast” for more than a decade, Neale will join family, friends and members of the public in taking part in the fundraising event.
“It’s great to be back on the road again, and amazing to think this is the 8th version of our wonderful Daniher’s Drive,” he said.
“The support of the regional communities has been an ongoing inspiration for our hundreds of participants, and we thank everyone who has donated or contributed in some way.”
After leaving Williamstown, the 250 member convoy will make its way through Bendigo, Warrnambool and Lorne before returning to Melbourne on Sunday, October 13.
The convoy will stop for a variety of fun events along the way and Neale said he couldn’t wait to get out there.
“As always, we know that many towns and schools have been preparing for our arrival and we are hugely appreciative of all their support – we look forward to plenty of great activities.”
The tour’s main fundraising activity is the Daniher’s Drive raffle where first prize is a Jayco caravan clad in its very own FightMND decals and colours valued at $65,000. The caravan comes adventure ready, with fully equipped kitchen, ensuite and living areas. The runner up will receive a gift voucher from The Card Network valued at $4,999.
“If you’d like to do you bit, then please help us by purchasing a ticket,” said Neale of the raffle from which all proceeds will go towards FightMND, the charity he co-founded after being diagnosed with the disease in 2014.
It’s hoped this year’s Daniher’s Drive will take the total amount Fight MND has raised for research into MND and care initiatives for sufferers, beyond $15 million.
The Daniher’s Drive raffle will be drawn Saturday, October 12 at 8pm.
Registrations to participate in this year’s drive are still open and can be made at: fightmnd.org.au/whats-on/danihers-drive/
