Channel 7 icon leads charge at WA Freeze for MND
Channel 7 icon Rick Ardon has led the charge at the WA Freeze in honour of AFL champion Neale Daniher, taking the icy plunge at half time in the clash between West Coast and Carlton.
Optus Stadium was filled with light blue beanies on Sunday as WA footy fans showed support for the fight against MND, and the headwear even came in handy as the drizzle settled in.
Daniher worked at the Eagles when his devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis was revealed, and the club has again rallied behind his family, raising funds to fight the beast.
Actor and comedian Peter Rowsthorn was the first to enter the icy water, in nothing but his board shorts, a week after The Big Freeze at the MCG during the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood.
7NEWS anchor Ardon was joined by Mix 94.5's Kymba Cahill during the long break and rocked a Batman suit.
The icy water held no fears as a handball from Eagles favourite Nic Naitanui plunged the veteran newsman into the dunk tank, Ardon explaining it was little more than a cold morning surf. Peter Rowsthorn takes part in WA Freeze at quarter time. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian
'I looked forward to it, and we've kicked some ice,' Ardon exclaimed.
'I surf all winter, so it wasn't bad at all. We all know through Telethon, for example, how much of a difference research makes to people's lives.
'Hopefully, with a lot more money raised, we can kick this cool disease.'
He also revealed his wife and favourite television show were the inspiration behind his costume.
'That was my wife; she thought Batman would be good,' he said.
'I'm not Superman by any stretch of the imagination, so I couldn't do that, but I love Seinfeld, so the clue I gave out on radio this week is good cape weather, which is what they say on Seinfeld.' Rick Ardon takes part in WA Freeze at half time. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian
Cahill went down as Simpson's character, Marge Simpson, stunned by the ice as West Coast legend Ben Cousins sent her plunging.
Before the match, the Eagles ran through a banner inscribed with 'You're inspiring Danners, facing hardship with ease. Dig deep and donate to the WA freeze'.
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