‘I am forever thankful that our slide idea has delivered so much fun and awareness,’ Neale Daniher says

Neale Daniher’s charity has raised an incredible $97m and it is hoped the 10th edition of the Big Freeze at the ‘G will tip the total above $100m.

Neale Daniher with Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor and Melbourne’s Tom McDonald. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Inspirational campaigner Neale Daniher has made a heartfelt plea to Aussies to dig deep and help raise more than $3m during Monday’s Big Freeze at the ’G.

Despite losing his ability to speak due to the cruel disease he has dubbed “The Beast”, Daniher prepared a statement to share with the public via the Herald Sun ahead of his charity’s biggest fundraiser for research and support for those suffering MND.

“The Australian community has embraced our battle against the ‘Beast’ and I am forever thankful that our slide idea has delivered so much fun and awareness,” Daniher said.

“And most importantly fundraising so that we can help our best and brightest researchers find a cure for this disease. While today is a milestone, it is another step along a process that is now more hopeful than ever that we will one day have a world without MND. Good luck to both teams and all our wonderful sliders today.”

Mack Horton and Meg Lanning will go down the slide at the Big Freeze at the ’G. Picture: David Caird

Daniher’s call to arms comes as his FightMND cause has raised an incredible $97m – so another $3m will take the total above $100m.

Nine celebrities of sport will dress as rock stars and slide into an icy pool at the MCG ahead of the King’s Birthday blockbuster between Melbourne and Collingwood.

Pies star Isaac Quaynor and Dees veteran Tom McDonald said their teams were pumped to rise for the 10th anniversary of an event that has made their annual match an AFL drawcard.

“It’s obviously a massive game with a big crowd and a massive occasion but there are some bigger things than the game and that is raising money to fight the Beast,” Quaynor said. “To be part of this game is something I’m grateful for … it’s similar to Anzac Day in regards to the occasion, where it doesn’t matter where either team is (on the ladder).

Joel Selwood is one of nine celebrities ready to slide into an icy pool at the MCG. Picture: David Caird

“Recent form doesn’t play much of a role in the outcome so it’s going to be a great game.”

After meeting Daniher during the week, McDonald said players from both teams would try and do the former Demons coach and Essendon star proud.

“It’s a huge game footy-wise and for what the game represents,” he said. “It’s a huge build up, I know what it means to so many people and just an awesome occasion.”

Former Melbourne star Jeff Farmer said the selfless feats of his friend, former coach and mentor Daniher deserved greater recognition.

“He’s an absolute champion, we all love him and I’m hoping that sooner or later he’s going to get Australian of the Year,” he said. “Let’s all back that, let’s all support that because he certainly deserves it.”

McDonald said the push for Daniher to be named Australian of the Year was “a good call”. “I’m sure he would be more than deserving if he got it,” he said.

There are more than 2000 Australians living with MND, with an average life expectancy of just 27 months from diagnosis.

About 80,000 fans are expected to attend Monday’s public holiday match.

To donate go to fightmnd.org.au