The Geelong region has paid its respects to former Australian of the Year Neale Daniher following his death at 65.
Daniher died after a 13 year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), where he used his profile as a legend of both the Essendon and Melbourne Football Club’s to bring his message to Australia.
Daniher’s FightMND group has raised more than $100 million for research into MND through the Big Freeze, as well as other campaigns including Daniher’s Drive.
The Geelong Football Club joined with the wider football industry yesterday in paying its respect – taking to social media to call his contributions “…a legacy of courage and action that went well beyond footy.”
Cat Max Holmes telling Geelong Broadcasters Daniher’s presence was felt across the sport.
“He’s an absolute legend of the game,” he said.
“But what he’s done for MND has been unbelievable.
“I was pretty young when the Big Freeze began, but I’m not sure that (MND) was as well-known as it is today.
“The work he did was amazing, and it’s really upsetting to see him go.”
Big Freeze Geelong co-organiser Graeme Reid said this weekend’s event at Elderslie Reserve would be an extra special event.
“It’s fair to say we have lost the best Australian of our lifetime,” he said.
“It’s incredibly sad news.”
Daniher’s brother Terry is scheduled to be among those heading down the slide on Sunday, along with former Cat Cam Mooney, current Cat Tanner Bruhn and Olympian Mia Gross.
Geelong Brodcasters’ social media was also filled with comments from listeners who shared their experiences of MND and Daniher’s impact on their own lives.
Geelong’s Big Freeze will take place on Sunday – information on how to donate is available on their Facebook page
