Chris and Mitch Grigg promote ‘SockIt2MND’ to raise awareness for fight against the disease

Chris Grigg has stayed positive in his battle with MND, and now he and son Mitch have become ambassadors for the ‘SockIt2MND’ campaign to raise funds and awareness in the fight against the disease. See the emotional video.

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Chris Grigg refuses to be swayed from his positive mindset while fighting the sombre effects of motor neurone disease.

The former long-time Athelstone footballer and father of dual Magarey Medallist Mitch was diagnosed with the insidious illness in April last year.

There were issues back in 2017 with hand and arm weakness and twitching tongue and lips, prompting a raft of MRI and CAT scans, blood tests and nerve conduction tests. Stress and fatigue was the initial thought.

Now he has another problem to deal with — a broken wrist which will be protected by a cast for six weeks after falling off his push bike.

Norwood star Mitch Grigg and his father Chris are ambassadors for SockIt2MND. Picture: Dean Martin

“That has not gone down too well in the household,” Grigg said with a chuckle. “I chipped my teeth as well.

“I was going uphill believe it or not. As I was getting off the seat the bike swayed underneath me and I went over the handle bars. Because my arms are weak I could not prevent the fall and face planted on the concrete.”

Grigg didn’t give the damaged wrist too much thought until the next day when it was badly swollen.

“I thought I better go to the doctor and it went from there,” he said. “I’m all right mate, I’m always positive and things are progressing quite slowly.

“I’m actually doing pretty well, well I believe. I’m actually doing all right, I’ve got a bit of an arm weakness and other than that the rest of me is all right.”

Chris and Mitch, who produced one of the most memorable big-game performances in last year’s SANFL grand final when his Norwood lost to North Adelaide, have taken on the roles of ambassadors for the ‘SockIt2MND’ campaign.

Mitch Grigg on the burst during his five-goal effort in last year’s grand final loss to North Adelaide. Picture Sarah Reed

In a bid to raise funds for the fight against the disease and to raise awareness, the initiative involves the sale of socks.

The socks are $15, come in two colours and are in junior and senior sizes. Orders close on March 10 and can be purchased from the website fightmnd.org.au

The official ‘SockIt2MND’ round is on June 15-16, although clubs and leagues can support it when it suits their fixturing. And it is not just aimed at football clubs, but any sporting organisation seeking to support people in the community affected by MND.

“Absolutely, ‘SockIt2MND’ is a good cause,” Chris said. “It definitely helps give the disease awareness.

“Any awareness and funds raised to help find a treatment or cure is important. We want as many clubs on board to buy these socks and help the cause.”