THIS year\u2019s Dennis Gleeson MND Superchallenge is set to reach a six-figure milestone.<\/p>\n
In early 2016 a group of Heathcote bowlers, now the Never Give Up Group, organised a 24-hour marathon fundraiser after their mate Dennis Gleeson was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n
That first event netted over $20,000 and by this year the total raised for MND Victoria should hit $100,000.<\/p>\n
MND Victoria\u2019s manager of supporter development and communications Daniel Woodrow said the work of the Never Give Up Group had been incredible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe at MND Victoria are so grateful they continue to raise funds and awareness throughout the community for all Victorians who are impacted by MND,\u201d he said<\/p>\n
\u201cEver since their great mate Dennis Gleeson was diagnosed with MND, their passion to raise the bar each year has been inspiring and the fact $100,000 has nearly been reached is a phenomenal effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m also very thankful to the local community who continually get involved in a fun and meaningful day out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese funds can’t be raised without the support of so many locals and bowlers that come from far and wide.<\/p>\n
\u201cMND Victoria relies so heavily on fundraising events to continue providing the best possible care and support to Victorians living with MND at no cost to them. MND is not only one of the worst diseases imaginable, it’s also very costly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMND Victoria’s goal is to ensure the best quality of life can be lived through a wide range of services designed to keep people living with MND safe, independent and engaged with their communities for as long as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we regularly say-until there’s a cure, there’s care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Woodrow has taken part in the Heathcote fundraiser for the past five years and while the superchallenge is now a day event, the Great Aussie Bowls Marathon in 2019 saw him, along with his wife Stace, work the greens non-stop for 24 hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn a personal note, this day will always have a special place in my heart,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have formed great friendships with many up at Heathcote and have seen the absolute best of people who continually go out of their way to help people impacted by MND.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust three weeks after our 24-hour bowls marathon in 2019, my father passed away from an eleven-year battle with MND.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was an avid lawn bowler and because of him I started playing when I was ten years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have played ever since, so the Heathcote fundraising day literally combines my passions of playing bowls and helping others impacted by MND.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Woodrow will be back on the green at Heathcote this Australia Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to being part of another brilliant day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The MND Superchallenge takes place on Thursday, 26 January at Heathcote Bowling Club.<\/p>\n
While player teams are now full, everyone is encouraged to come along and show their support.<\/p>\n
Along with the bowling there\u2019s a fundraising raffle with prizes include bikes, tools, a barbecue and meat vouchers.<\/p>\n
Raffle tickets can be purchased now for $5 each at Heathcote Post Office, the Oval Caf\u00e9 or by calling 0418 304 259.<\/p>\n
Money raised goes to MND Victoria to support people affected by motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THIS year\u2019s Dennis Gleeson MND Superchallenge is set to reach a six-figure milestone. In early 2016 a group of Heathcote bowlers, now the Never Give Up Group, organised a 24-hour marathon fundraiser after their mate Dennis Gleeson was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. That first event netted over $20,000 and by this year the total […]<\/p>\n