Honouring Neale Daniher and the Fight Against MND

Drive by Friday

Drive by Friday –

 

This June, during Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness Month, Australians come together to spotlight a condition that is as devastating as it is misunderstood — and to honour those fighting it with strength and courage.

At the heart of this movement is Neale Daniher — former AFL Player and Coach, and now the face of FightMND, an organisation he co-founded after being diagnosed with MND in 2013. Despite the disease gradually taking his voice and physical strength, Neale’s message has only grown louder: “It’s not about how long you live, it’s about how well you live.”

MND is a relentless and incurable neurological disease that affects the motor neurons responsible for muscle movement. It slowly robs people of their ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe — all while the mind remains active and alert.

Through Neale’s leadership and Australia’s incredible response, FightMND has raised over $100 million for research and care. Events like The Big Freeze at the ‘G, where well-known Australians plunge into icy water in support, have captured national attention and reminded us what collective compassion can achieve.

But beyond the headlines and ice baths lies a deeper truth: MND shows us what really matters. The strength of the human spirit. The power of community. The value of every single day.

As we go about our work this month, let’s carry some of that perspective with us. Let’s remember that behind the statistics are families, carers, and loved ones facing unimaginable challenges — and let’s be a little kinder, more patient, and more present in their honour.

 

Ways to Support MND in the Workplace This June:

 

Get Involved in Big Freeze 11

  • Host a "Freeze Challenge" at your workplace — think ice bucket challenge, cold plunge, or even wearing blue in support

  • Encourage teams to take part in The Big Freeze 11, happening at the MCG on Monday, 9 June. If you’re in Melbourne, attend in person. If not, stream it or host a watch party

  • Share photos on your internal comms or LinkedIn with the hashtag #BigFreeze11 and tag @FightMND

 

Donate or Fundraise as a Team

  • Set up a team fundraising page through FightMND and encourage donations

  • Run a morning tea, sausage sizzle, or bake sale with all proceeds going to FightMND

  • Offer a company match for any employee donations

 

Wear Blue for MND Awareness

  • Pick a day in June where everyone wears blue — the colour of MND awareness — and make it a conversation starter.

  • Share why you're wearing it, and post to raise awareness.

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit:


👉 https://fightmnd.org.au

 

Thank you for taking a moment to reflect and support this important cause.

·         "When all is said and done, it's not what you’ve got, but what you’ve given."
Neale Daniher


"It’s not how long you live, it’s how well you live."
Neale Daniher

Stay Connected!

Simpli-U Recruitment Solutions

lorraine@simpli-u.com.au

 

Lorraine Singer

Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Provider of Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sector | Australia-wide | Solutions that are all about 'U' (Clients and Candidates)

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