The footpath leading from William Barak Bridge to the MCG will be renamed Daniher’s Way to honour Neale Daniher’s fight against motor neurone disease.
Signs will mark the thoroughfare and plaques will be installed to recognise the former Essendon player and Melbourne coach’s campaign to find a cure for MND and support people with the disease he calls “the beast” through the organisation he co-founded, FightMND.
Neale Daniher poses next to the sign marking Daniher’s Way.Justin McManus
The Victorian government announced it will also contribute $1 million to FightMND, bringing its total contribution to the organisation since 2015 to $6 million.
Daniher, who played 82 games with Essendon and coached Melbourne in 223 games, was diagnosed with MND in 2013. The diagnosis shone a light on the disease and led to Daniher’s tireless campaign to raise awareness and funds to support research into finding a cure.
The centrepiece of the FightMND campaign is The Big Freeze, which is held at the MCG on Queen’s Birthday each year, where celebrities slide into an ice bath to raise money.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the initiative was “a small gesture” to make to recognise Daniher’s contribution.
The walk from William Barak Bridge to the MCG has become a feature of the Queen’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood.
Lost my closest friend 13 years ago to MND. I really didn’t know anything about it until then. Neil is a legend - raising not only so much money but also awareness & education about this horrid disease.
We’ve bought 2. As well as supporting a great cause the beanies are really nice - soft & not itchy.
Also like to add an encouragement for people to donate as well if they can. Be great to raise a record amount this year - for Neil & all MND sufferers (past, present & future).
