FightMND campaigner Dr Ian Davis posts final heartbreaking photo with son hours before his death

THE man who started the extraordinary campaign to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease has farewelled his supporters by posting a heartbreaking photo with his son.

MND campaigner Ian Davis farewells his young son. Picture: Facebook

SEVEN years after he launched a tireless public ­campaign to raise awareness about motor neurone disease, FightMND co-founder Ian Davis ensured his final words were reserved for his family.

In a public post only hours before his death yesterday, Dr Davis urged supporters to carry forward a message for his four-year-old son, Archie.

“I will leave this broken body with a full heart,” he said.

“Please tell my boy I love him and I’m so proud to be his dad.”

The 40-year-old was ­surrounded by his family ­before his life support was switched off.

Today I say farewell. Thank you everyone for all the support, love, and compassion over the years during my fight. It...

Posted by Ian Davis on Wednesday, 31 October 2018

The campaign to raise awareness and funding for the disease that robs sufferers of all movement and speech was first startedby MND Victoria but accelerated after Dr Davis launched the FightMND ­campaign with the help of co-founder Pat Cunningham and footy legend Neale Daniher.

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Dr Ian Davis with his wife Melissa Yang and young son. Picture: The Giving Network

Diagnosed in 2011 when he was just 33, Dr Davis dedicated his time to fundraising critical dollars to commit to research anddrug development.

His medical background enabled him to provide the foundation with significant ­expertise and hasten progress in the questto find a suitable treatment and cure.

FightMND has raised more than $40 million in the past four years.

Chairman Bill Guest said Dr Davis’ significant contribution left a lasting legacy.

“Since the foundation was established following Ian’s own diagnosis, his tireless work, passion and commitment to the ongoing fight to find a cure has impacted and inspired people affected by MND worldwide,” Mr Guest said.

“Among his many achievements was the creation of the inaugural Australasian Motor Neurone Disease Symposium in March 2018, attracting over 400 delegates from around the world, who all assembled with the joint intent to create a world free from MND.

Dr Ian Davis with a beanie to help Cure MND in 2016. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Ian Davis and Scott Sullivan with their trike which they planned to ride from Brisbane to Sydney to raise money for MND research in 2013.

Dr Davis with Australian cricketer Shane Watson at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2015. Picture: SCG Trust

Ian Davis and Mel Yang with son, Ash, when he was just nine months old. Picture: David Smith

“Without Ian Davis’ vision, FightMND would not have been founded and we would not have been able to progress as far and asquickly as we have in medical research for MND.

“Ian’s dedication to the fight against MND continued until his final days ensuring in his absence the same rigour will beapplied to the pursuit of the most promising research.

“All the people affected by the disease, be they patients, families, carers and researchers, have a great deal to thank Ianfor.”

Health Minister Jill Hennessy was among supporters to issue tributes. “My deep condolences to all who knew and loved Ian.So smart, funny, determined and compassionate.”

To donate directly to Dr Davis’ family see ‘Help put me in the ground’ donation page.

To help find a cure, support Fight MND.