BY ASHLEY GEELAN in MELBOURNE
Yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Melbournians gathered ‘under the clocks’ at Flinders Street Station to launch Big Freeze 11, which raises money for research into motor neurone disease (MND).
Big Freeze 11 is charging full steam ahead in the battle against motor neurone disease (MND). To launch this year’s campaign to ‘Beat the Beast’, two Aussie legends have donned their brand new Big Freeze 11 Beanies – Australian of the Year and FightMND Co-Founder Neale Daniher ‘under the clocks’ at the iconic Flinders Street Station.
FightMND is daring Australians to live it forward. Inspired by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s wisdom: “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards,” this philosophy resonates deeply with Neale Daniher’s reflections in his book ‘When all is said and done’.
As it was 4pm, as the launch got underway, thousands of Melbournians – many on their way home from the office – passed ‘under the clocks’ of Flinders Street Station as BigFreeze 11 was launched with the fundraising team selling this years’ beanies on the concourse near the old Flinders Street booking office.
As Neale poignantly wrote: “I understand the wisdom of this, but right now I don’t have much forward left.”
“Today’s launch of Big Freeze 11 is a testament to the strength, compassion and determination of the Australian community. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, friends and the Australian community who have rallied behind this cause.
“Big Freeze 11 is more than an event. It’s our signal to the world that the fight to find a cure is on. To everyone who’s been part of this story, by donating, spreading awareness, or simply donning your Beanie, thank you for standing with us. Together we’ll beat the Beast,” Neale Daniher AO, Co-Founder and Patron, FightMND said.
Neale Daniher’s daughter, Bec Daniher addressed the growing crowd: “Dad talks about a quote that “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards”.
“For those living with MND they don’t have much forwards left, and that is why we must act now.
The Big Freeze holds a special place in my heart. It’s where this journey began. It marked the first steps in our fight against MND and showed those battling this illness that they are not alone. It’s more than an event. It’s a movement that will help bring our vision into a reality – a future free from MND,” Ms Daniher said.
It was a ‘stopping all stations’ event with Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly stating that: “I encourage the Magpie Army to get behind the 11th edition of the Big Freeze game and show their support for FightMND to help find a much-needed cure and to continue fighting the beast.”
AFL footballer Brad Green, now Melbourne Football Club’s CEO, was coached by Neil Daniher, and he was ‘under the clocks’ to support his coach and former mentor.
“Neale was my coach and mentor, and someone who shaped not only my career but also the person I am today. To see the impact he has made through the Big Freeze initiative, including being named Australian of the Year, makes me so proud,” Green said.
The ‘big green shed’, where these days most people buy hardware also joined the cause.
“It’s an honour to be supporting FightMND’s eleventh year of the Big Freeze. This is Bunnings’ seventh year getting behind the campaign, supporting a cause which affects not only our team members, their families, and friends, but also our customers and communities,” Bunnings’ Director of Stores, Rod Caust said.
On the King’s Birthday long weekend on Monday, June 9, yet to be announced celebrities, former footballers and others will take the challenge at the Melbourne vs Collingwood match, to go down the freezing cold ice slide at the MCG to raise funds for FightMND.
Community rounds across Australia at country and suburban local football will also take place from May 26 to June 1, as well as landmark illuminations and many ‘DIY Big Freeze’ events, raising vital funds to continue the quest for a cure.
FightMND was founded in 2014 by Neale Daniher AO, Dr Ian Davis OAM, and Pat Cunningham. The original Big Freeze took place on Queen’s Birthday 2015. Sadly, Dr Davis and Pat’s wife Angie Cunningham have since passed away because of the disease, but the legacy they helped create means the fight goes on and FightMND continues to fund critical research into cure and care for those living with MND.
This year, there are now Big Freeze 11 caps available in Queensland, crew socks in most places and footy socks online. Big Freeze 11 beanies are available at Coles, Bunnings, selected Shell Reddy Express stores or online at fightmnd.org.au.
FightMND extends its heartfelt thanks to the incredible partners who helped bring the Big Freeze 11 Beanie to life at Flinders Street Station.
(L-R) Collingwood’s Tom Mitchell,Neale Daniher AO & Melbourne’s Jack Viney. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews 
Neale Daniher at the Big Freeze 11 beanie launch at Flinders Street Station. PHOTO: Fiona Hamilton/FightMND/CozAlive 
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews Bec Daniher. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews 
Collingwood’s Tom Mitchell & Melbourne’s Jack Viney address the media. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews 
The big beanie under the big clock at Flinders Street Station. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews 
The FIightMND team. PHOTO: Ashley Geelan/VicNews 
The Big Freeze 11 beanie is launched. PHOTO: Fiona Hamilton/FightMND.
– With Fiona Hamilton (photos).
