THE fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) landed in the Blue Lake city on Friday when inspirational football identity Neale Daniher made a special stop with a convoy of 380 people.
Mount Gambier was the major stop on the fourth annual FightMND Daniher’s Drive with a comedy gala night attracting 480 people at The Barn on Friday.
The event helped the total fundraising figure reach $2.5m, with the strong crowd purchasing a number of auction items on the evening.
Neale’s personal battle with the debilitating disease has inspired significant fundraisers in recent years and he vowed to continue his campaign.
“We had 480 people attend the dinner and there were two great comedians on the night,” Neale said.
“We like to think we put the fun in fundraising and we really get great support.”
While the dinner was a huge success, it was an emotional stop at Vansittart Park, which gave dozens of people from the community a chance to meet Neale.
Visiting Mount Gambier for the first time in his life, he did not hesitate to pose for a photograph with each of the people in attendance.
“We are trying to meet and greet people out in the rural areas to give us a chance to thank them for their support and also continue to raise awareness,” he said.
“It also allows us to give some support for families and people suffering from MND in the bush.”
Mount Gambier City Council deputy mayor Hannah Persello thanked Neale for meeting the people of Mount Gambier.
“What you are doing is an absolute inspiration – it is wonderful that you have taken the time to stop in Mount Gambier,” Ms Persello said.
She said everyone certainly left Vansittart Park inspired by his courage and determination.
But for Neale himself, inspiration has always come from one goal.
“What inspires me is our purpose to have a world without MND,” he said.
“Right now there is no treatment or cure and our focus is that in future generations, there will be a treatment or cure.”
Earlier in the day, the Daniher’s Drive stopped off at Raidis Estate in Penola for participants to enjoy a meal and try some of the region’s fine wines.
“We came up through the north of Victoria and it was great to cross over into South Australia for the first time,” Neale said.
“We really enjoy hosting the functions in the bigger places, but we also enjoy dropping into the smaller towns.”
