Extremely cool: Big Freeze in the Marsh is back

IF you think the weather has taken a chilly turn in recent days, spare a thought for the brave-hearted souls bracing to slide into a pool full of ice as part of tomorrow’s Big Freeze in the Marsh.

The annual local fundraiser for FightMND will be hosted by the Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club at Maddingley Park from 1.30pm tomorrow Saturday 6 June.

Among those who have taken the icy plunge in the past, Annie Phyland helps organise the event with her husband, Cobras president Ian McClure.

“We have our pool full of ice and we have literally a truckload of ice from a company in Werribee that makes the ice and donates it,” Phyland said.

“We definitely know it’s not for the fainthearted, although, yes, it might be rejuvenating.

“It’s a great fun day raising funds and awareness of this disease that’s still searching for a cure.

“When people get a [motor neurone disease] diagnosis there’s currently no treatment and no cure so it’s a very formidable diagnosis. We’ve lost several close friends.

“This year BMFNC is playing against the Lakers from Ballarat and each year the opposing team also get involved and support it.

“We have local businesses support it and it is very much a community event that’s really gathered a lot of momentum over the years, with people from the wider community and the Greendale community all being part of it.

“It’s something that’s obviously very poignant, particularly with Neale Daniher who’s just passed.

“It’s a great event and lots of people from the broader community turn up as well. It’s not just a Football Netball Club event.”

Phyland said there will be a dance display before the sliders line up to take the plunge, a sausage sizzle, and MND awareness merchandise sales.

Tomorrow’s Big Freeze in the Marsh is among many similarly chilled fundraisers happening state-wide for this year’s FightMND campaign with the flagship Big Freeze at the G on Monday 8 June at the MCG ahead of the Collingwood versus Melbourne King’s Birthday AFL match.

Those keen to support the cause can donate at support.fightmnd.org.au/fundraisers/BigFreezeInTheMarsh