Latest news with #MNDResearch
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Golden girl Ariarne Titmus steals the show in the AFL Big Freeze as full house sign goes up at MCG to honour MND battler Neale Daniher
The 2025 AFL Big Freeze delivered another unforgettable spectacle, this time to a full house at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Neale Daniher is more than a former AFL coach. He is a national hero. Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013, Daniher chose to fight back - not just for himself, but for every Australian impacted by the cruel, incurable condition. The former Essendon star and Melbourne coach co-founded FightMND in 2014, launching the now-iconic 'Big Freeze' as its flagship event. Held annually at the MCG on the King's Birthday public holiday, it has raised over $115million for MND research and support services. Ten years on, the 2025 AFL Big Freeze was the biggest yet - played to a full house of fans who turned out to honour Daniher's legacy and laugh, cheer and shed a tear in equal measures. Before the King's Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne, Australia's sporting elite lined up to take the plunge in icy water, raising funds and awareness in Daniher's name. First down the slide? None other than Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus. Wearing a sparkling pink outfit inspired by Olivia Newton-John's Grease role, Titmus opened the show with flair and heart - setting the tone for an unforgettable afternoon. Cycling legend Cadel Evans followed, rocking an outfit that made him look like a miniature version of Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn. It was capped off with Gawn himself waiting at the bottom to congratulate him. Collingwood royalty Peter Daicos appeared dressed as the Joker, telling Tim Watson, 'I'm at home… this is how I dress normally.' With sons Nick and Josh preparing for the match elsewhere in the MCG, Daicos soaked in the spotlight solo. Actor and former footy player Matt Nable descended dressed as Angus Young from AC/DC, guitar in hand, channeling pure rock energy. Netball star Liz Watson came out dressed as Barbie, paying tribute to Margot Robbie in full pink - crop top and all. Matt Shirvington followed in full Thor gear, complete with hammer and dramatic cape that nearly took his head off during his icy landing. Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy earned huge cheers dressed as Sharon Strzelecki from Kath & Kim, honouring Magda Szubanski, who recently announced a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Former Melbourne Demons fan favourite Aaron Davey wore the red and black once more, this time dressed as Bombers icon Michael Long - linking the moment to his time under Daniher's coaching leadership. V8 great Craig Lowndes brought Mad Max to the slide before closing act Mark Taylor came out as the late Shane Warne, complete with floppy white hat and a ball in hand. 'I'm coming out at No.10, where Warnie should've batted,' he said, bringing the crowd to its feet. But despite all the colour and costumes, the heart of the Big Freeze has always been Neale Daniher. Daniher debuted for Essendon in 1979, captained the club in 1982, and overcame serious injury to remain a beloved part of Bombers history. Later, as coach of Melbourne from 1998 to 2007, he led the club to multiple finals, including a Grand Final appearance in 2000. When MND hit, Daniher didn't retreat. He rallied. He used his public profile to raise awareness, fund research, and inspire courage in the face of despair.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Man with MND to tackle half marathon in powerchair
A man who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in the Leeds Half Marathon in his powerchair to raise money for research into the condition. The event takes place alongside the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which was launched in honour of the rugby league legend who died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with MND. Ken Blackburn, from York, said he was looking forward to participating in the race and although his powerchair can reach speeds of up to 8mph (12kmh), he would be taking it at a much steadier pace during the event on Sunday. "I'm looking forward to entering the stadium at the end and crossing the finish line with my wife, Kay," he said. Mr Blackburn's wife and son plan to run the event with him after the MND Association - a partner charity for the marathon - helped him apply for a place to participate in his powerchair. "I'm really looking forward to taking part. As a runner in my previous life, I miss the atmosphere when you take part in an event," he said. The former banker turned taxi driver was diagnosed with MND in 2020, although he said he had been experiencing symptoms of the condition for nearly a decade before. He has primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) - a rarer, slower progressing form of the condition - and now uses his all-terrain wheelchair to get around outside. After supporting his family at previous running events, including the 2023 and 2024 Leeds Half Marathon, Mr Blackburn wanted to be directly involved. Mr Blackburn said: "I wanted to get the full experience and at the same time support my wife Kay, in a more meaningful way. "Unfortunately our daughter Jade has had to withdraw due to a knee injury, but she's flying in from Belfast to lend her support." He said he had joined his wife on a training run to test his chair's battery life, which he estimates can last for about 20 miles (32km). His plan for the day is to keep his wife company while his son forges ahead, so he will not be going "flat out" and will let Mrs Blackburn set the pace. The family are raising money for the MND Association and are currently just over halfway to their £1,000 target. Mr Blackburn also fundraises for the organisation through his photography. For the past three years he has produced a calendar of his own images, which has helped to raise £2,500. He described his photography as his way of "giving something back", especially to the charity's York branch support group, which he regularly attends. "I have always had a passion for landscape and wildlife photography. It also gives me the opportunity to get out in nature, which is essential for good mental health," he said. Looking ahead to Sunday's event, Mr Blackburn said: "It feels very special to be taking part with my family. "They have always shown me their love and support, throughout my journey with MND, so it will be great to support them too." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Road closures planned for Rob Burrow Marathon 'Running first Leeds Marathon without Rob will be hard'
