Eastern Football League and Blackburn throw support behind Fight MND cause

THE Eastern Football League has again thrown its support behind the Fight MND cause, helping raise thousands of dollars towards the foundation.

Neale Daniher with son Ben, wife Jan, and daughters Lauren and Bec. Picture: Alex Coppel

HIS voice may be fading but the support is unwavering.

Motor Neurone Disease crusader Neale Daniher still gets his local footy fix, watching son Ben run around for Blackburn in the Eastern Football League.

Neale stations himself behind the opposition bench at Morton Park at Blackburn’s home games, listening in to the tactics of visiting coaches.

AFL COACHES TAKE THE PLUNGE FOR MND

“When he has his voice, he’s not really a yeller from the sidelines, if things are a bit frustrating he’s more of a groaner,” Ben said.

“I think even when he losses his voice he’ll still be able to groan when I turn it over.”

Ben Daniher in action for Blackburn. Picture: Supplied

Neale has inspired a nation with his positive attitude in his quest to find a cure to MND, helping raise an astonishing $34 million since his diagnosis four years ago.

Blackburn and the wider Eastern Football League community have also again rallied behind the Fight MND cause.

The Burners sold some 400 MND beanies at their last game against Knox, raising another $8000 for the charity.

And this weekend Norwood president Mark Etherington, Blackburn president Matt Breen, EFL chief executive Phil Murton and Bendigo Bank chairman Stuart Greig will each be dunked into icy cold water as part of the Freeze The Boss event at halftime of the Norwood and Blackburn clash at Mullum Mullum Reserve.

It’s hoped the event will raise another $4000 for Fight MND.

The EFL, in conjunction with @AFLVic & @FightMND is proud to be supporting #Sockit2MND Round this weekend.

Join us as we Freeze the Boss at Norwood v Blackburn!

Donate to Freeze the Boss here: https://t.co/IboPS5Rgne
Full #Sockit2MND Round info here: https://t.co/QEb9fK3MuZ pic.twitter.com/NZ8uJWwTHO

— EFL (@footyefl) June 13, 2018

Ben said the support behind his father’s positive attitude in helping find a cure for MND had been over overwhelming.

“He’s got an incredible take on it all and obviously everyone knows it is a very macabre and dark topic but it’s great he can have a laugh about things and brighten people’s days up,” he said.

“As you know, there’s a lot of negativity around, he knows that and he knows it’s not going to end well for him but he’s just going to keep on having a crack and smiling and enjoying life while he can.”

Ben said his father’s ability to adopt a positive attitude in his fight against ‘the beast’ stemmed from his family.

“His parents, brothers and sisters are incredibly resilient people in a lot of their trials and tribulations and they see the good things,” he said.

“I think Grandma and Dad always talk about the little blessings in life and he just knows, not just him, but everyone gets dealt a hand in life and sometimes it is not going to be fortunate or ideal but there is no point wallowing in self pity for too long, you’ve got to get on with it, keep having a crack and enjoying life.”

Players from EFL clubs will also wear blue and white socks during the Sockit2MND Round to raise awareness of the disease.

To donate visit: give.everydayhero.com/au/freezetheboss