Full steam ahead to fight the beast

The quartet of Portarlington locals are excited for the drive. Photos: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

FOUR Portarlington locals have fired up the Toyota and set off on this year’s Daniher’s Drive.

Team Monica Hayes members Geoff Fary, Darren Hellmann, Pete Evans and Mick Doyle are once again taking part in the annual pilgrimage through regional Victoria.

They’re among more than 220 participants rallying together to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) research.

Mr Fary lost his wife Monica Hayes to MND in 2016 and will be participating in his seventh drive this year.

He said his team were excited to create more lifelong memories together in the name of research and fundraising.

Geoff Fary puts a sticker on the car in memory of his wife Monica Hayes.

“It’s always exciting this time of the year, and we are looking forward to catching up with people from previous drives as well as all the newer folk.

“This year will take us to Marysville, down to Phillip Island, then the entire fleet of cars will head over to Sorrento to catch the ferry before spending our last night in Torquay.

“We can’t wait to pop into all the little communities on the way. We will travel many of those secondary roads to give these towns the opportunity to see this great event.”

Mr Fary said the team is well on their way to their $20,000 target.

The team has been the beneficiary of multiple community events over the past few months.

The team stickered up the vehicle earlier this week.

“We’ve got a little bit to go – we are currently at just over $15,000 which is a great result.

“People often follow our progress along the way and often make contributions to us during our drive.

“This year is especially special because on October 10, the drive coincides with what would have been Monica’s 63th birthday. There’s certainly some poignancy there.”