To coincide with National Motor Neurone Disease Week, the Harness Racing Victoria HERO Program is proud to announce that its recent MND awareness project in partnership with Shepparton Harness Racing Club exceeded its fundraising target.
Organisers had hoped to raise $2500 but, thanks to the enormous generosity of the Victorian trots community, a total of $2628.65 was collected.
The money will directly benefit Motor Neurone Disease Victoria, which provides and promotes the best possible care and support for people living with MND and funds MND research.
The organisation has two key mottos: ‘Until there’s a cure, there’s care’ and ‘Never give up’.
MND is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurons) controlling the muscles that enable a human to move, speak, breathe and swallow, fail to work normally.
With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste. The patterns of weakness vary from person to person.
At any given time in Victoria, MND affects around 400 people. There is no known cure.
The April 26 fundraiser featured double-seater sulky rides provided by HERO Ambassadors Waikare Aristocrat and Smudge Bromac, who is also an MND Victoria Ambassador in honour of his former part-owner John Brain.
A major raffle attracted significant sponsorship support, headlined by Hygain (Rebecca Cartwright) and Diane Reilly, an owner with the David Aiken stable.
“So many people contributed to the success of the event,” HERO Program Manager Tanya McDermott said.
“We would particularly like to acknowledge and thank Ian McDonald at Shepparton HRC, organisers Colleen Aiken and Sue Terry, and Daniel Woodrow from MND Victoria for his enthusiasm and support.
“It would also be remiss not thank the owners and trainers who allowed all number one horses on the night to carry special MND promotional colours, racecaller Lachlan McIntosh who did a stellar job highlighting the very important cause and the drivers who gave up their time to drive the double-seater sulkies,” she said.
“A particular thank you and get well soon to Craig Turnbull who was a huge help on the night and is currently laid up in hospital after a nasty stable accident.”
