Neale Daniher’s special bond with baby granddaughter

FightMND crusader Neale Daniher has been busy keeping up with the newest arrival to his family.

Jan and Neale Daniher with their granddaughter Billie.

The Daniher family has shared another magic milestone with the arrival of a precious baby girl.

FightMND crusader Neale Daniher and his wife Jan have spent time bonding with their new grandchild, Billie Joyce Daniher-Howell, the first child of their daughter Bec and her husband Drew Howell.

“There has been a lot of life moments we didn’t think we’d share with Dad after he was diagnosed, so it makes these moments extra special,’’ Bec said.

“They’ve shared a few cuddles with Billie resting on his legs, and I think she has Pops wrapped around her little finger.”

Little Billie is the third grandchild for Neale and Jan; they have a grandson Cooper and a granddaughter Rosie.

Neale Daniher with Billie.

Baby Billie. Picture Sarah Matray

Since her birth Billie has already been busy, meeting the Victorian Governor Linda Dessau and the Governor-General David Hurley on November 18 – at just three days old – when Neale was honoured as an Officer of the order of Australia.

He received the country’s highest recognition for his “significant work” to raise awareness for motor neurone disease and raising more than $40m for research into the disease via the FightMND Foundation he founded in 2014.

“It’s been amazing,’’ said Bec who is the campaign manager for FightMND and works closely with her father on the charity.

“It really is life changing in the best possible way. We’re enjoying getting to know Billie.

“It did take a little while to settle on her name – it’s a big decision!

Neale Daniher's daughter Bec Daniher and husband Drew Howell with Billie and Nala the dog. Picture Sarah Matray

“We liked Billie, and we hope she’ll have a little sass to match!

“Her middle name is from my husband’s grandmother, which was lovely to tie in some family tradition. And we had to have some Daniher in there also.”

Neale, who was diagnosed with MND in 2013, was also recognised in June in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his advocacy after spearheading another Big Freeze at the G campaign.

Bec said her dad had yet to offer some parental tips.

“He suggested going straight to the expert, granny Janny, for advice, but I’m sure he’ll offer some wisdom along the way,’’ she said.