Dalyston FNC took the plunge for MND

THE Dalyston and Phillip Island Football Netball Club community did their bit and took the plunge to raise awareness for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) during round eight at the Dalyston Football ground. 

Organiser Dee Connell encouraged coaches, players, umpires and family to support those affected by MND with all players wearing Big Freeze socks on the court and on the ground, and blue beanies spanning the crowd.

Investing in research continues to be the best weapon against this disease, but it’s expensive and takes time – so ten years on, this fight needs everyone playing as a team.

These two clubs made their actions louder than words, with the community getting behind this fight, fundraising with each plunge – truly making an impact with this year’s theme ‘Say.Do’.

Phillip Island Football Netball Club got behind the cause with Dalyston, dunking some of their favourite coaches and players – whether it be those directly affected by MND or supporting those who are. On the court and on the ground, they were competing but, in the tank, it was all for a good cause.

Past president of the Dalyston Football Netball club Paul Dunlop teamed up with the club for their first Big Freeze event. “It was a great day and together the clubs raised $6,500 towards MND,” said Paul. In starting the fundraising towards MND research to find a cure, Neale Daniher said, ‘raise money but have fun whilst doing it,’” said Paul.

“My brother Jack and I have been a part of the Daniher Drive for the past five years – we’re in our sixth year now and Jack has raised over $100,000 towards MND after he lost his best mate five years ago. The drive takes place over four days with groups travelling interstate to raise vital funds. Last year the drive raised over $2 million.”

“Our group is ‘Hood Winkers’ and we’ll be taking the drive again this October,” said Paul.

“I just want to thank the football clubs for getting behind this cause – Jacks mate passed away just 22 months after being diagnosed and to join forces with the club that’s always been home to me, and my family is great!”

“I’ll always be a part of the Dalyston FNC, it was where my father played and coached, it’s where my brothers and I played and I was president for 10 years - it’s like my second home,” Paul explained. “All credit to the FNC for running the event.”

The Daniher’s Drive – FightMND’s annual regional road will kick off on Thursday, October 10 until Sunday, October 13, travelling through Bendigo, Warrnambool and Lorne. To donate visit www.fightmnd.org.a