Big Freeze 3: federal government will match public donations

ON the eve of the Big Freeze 3 at the MCG, the federal government has vowed to match public donations to Neale Daniher’s fundraiser for MND research.

THE Federal Government will pledge to match public donations to help find a cure for MND on the eve of footy legend Neale Daniher’s most powerful fundraising weapon Big Freeze 3.

The battle to bring the “beast of the disease” that’s killing him out of the shadows and under the microscopes of some of Australia’s best scientific minds has started strongly but Daniher warned on Saturday the fight was far from over.

“We’ve made a good start, but if people think we’ve got this disease by the tail, they’re wrong,” Daniher said ahead of the Big Freeze — which culminates at the MCG Melbourne-Collingwood clash on Monday.

Lleyton Hewitt, Sharelle McMahon and Steve Hooker, pictured with Neale Daniher, are participating in the Big Freeze 3. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Health Minister Greg Hunt told the Sunday Herald Sun the government pledged money up to $2 million to match donations from the Australian public during this year’s campaign.

“Neale was a legend on the field and now he’s making an extraordinary contribution off the field,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“I’m calling on everyone to get behind Neale, to dig deep and donate. In return, the Turnbull Government will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $2 million.

“This will enable up to 200 Australians with MND to participate in a clinical trial.”

Daniher was diagnosed in 2013 and revealed last Sunday the debilitating effects of MND which were starting to impact him more seriously.

He said he was unable to lift his arms above his shoulders, couldn’t use a spoon, needed help dressing and, although his legs were still working well, his lung capacity was starting to decline.

Australian sport champions — including netballer Sharelle McMahon, tennis player Lleyton Hewitt, pole vaulter Steve Hooker and aerial skier Alisa Camplin — will tomorrow slide to a chilly splash in a pool of ice water before the Melbourne and Collingwood game.

Lleyton Hewitt, Sharelle McMahon and Steve Hooker are getting ready for an icy splash on Monday, Picture: Alex Coppel.

Steve Bradbury, Andrew Gaze, Steve Moneghetti and Adam Gilchrist will also take the plunge.

“Fight MND has made great progress and we have three clinical trials and eight major research projects underway, but it’s just the beginning and it’s going to take an army to fight this beast,” Daniher said.

Suns start Gary Ablett lends his support to MND.

Patrick Dangerfield gets behind the cause.

Socceroos superstar Tim Cahill met with Daniher on Saturday.

Cahill said Daniher was “someone who is held in high regard” and called for others to join the effort in finding a cure for the debilitating disease.

“Supporting the cause has a good impact and especially when you have role models involved, it helps a lot of people” Cahill said.

The event has become Australia’s biggest fundraiser in the attempt to find a cure for the disease which Daniher said been underfunded and out of sight for too long.

Mick Fanning, from Fiji, is joining the fight against MND. Picture Stuart Gibson

Nathan Fyfe lends his support.

Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis.

Greg Hunt MP and Neale Daniher. Picture: Hamish Blair

WATCH THE BIG FREEZE AT THE G

— AUSSIE sporting greats will take the icy plunge to help raise money for the Big Freeze 3 at the MCG on June 12.

— The event will be broadcast live at 2pm Monday on Channel 7.

— The well-known Australians will freeze in front of a Melbourne v Collingwood crowd after hundreds walk from Fed Square to the MCG in support of the cause.

— The Big Freeze is the nation’s biggest fundraising event in the fight against motor neurone disease.

— Before the match, Fight MND patron Neale Daniher will lead the AHG Walk to the ’G. — To donate: SMS FREEZE to 0429 000 333 or visit fightmnd.org.au