First National Real Estate has donated $31,000 through First National Foundation towards research for a cure to motor neurone disease (MND).
The network’s Victorian state chairman, Rob Westwood, and chief executive, Ray Ellis, presented the donation to Mark ‘Robbo’ Robinson during FOX Footy’s AFL 360 program last Thursday.
Two Australians are diagnosed with MND each day and have an average life expectancy of 27 months. MND affects the muscles that enable movement, speech, swallowing and breathing and at present there is no effective treatment or cure.
Neale Daniher, who coached the Melbourne Football Club for 10 years including the 2000 AFL Grand Final, is an example of a champion footballer affected by MND. After playing 82 games with Essendon, Neale took up the position of West Coast Eagles football operations manager until he was diagnosed with the disease. At the age of 53, Daniher is focusing on fundraising for research into a cure.
First National Real Estate Westwood principal Rob Westwood in Werribee said it was an honour to be associated with the ‘Freeze MND at the G’ initiative and contribute to the search for a cure.
‘‘We can’t stand idle while there’s no effective current treatment to help people affected by MND.
‘‘Our members raise funds for a wide range of community initiatives each year, like Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, but we’re even more excited to be contributing substantially to this worthy cause,’’ Mr Westwood said.
Several well-known footy personalities were dunked in a giant ice pool on June 8, before the Queen’s Birthday Collingwood vs Melbourne game, as part of the ‘Freeze MND at the G’ initiative.
Robinson took a plunge into the icy water dressed as First National Real Estate’s mascot – ‘The Running Man’.
