Anthony Powell from National Floor Coatings, a leading Australian applicator and contractor of a diverse range of epoxies, cementitious and concrete flooring products, recently took part in the charity event Daniher’s Drive 2017 to raise money and awareness into the devastating disease Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Daniher’s Drive is the creation of AFL player and coach, Neale Daniher. Being a natural on the pitch, Neale achieved great success throughout his football career but unfortunately he now faces the biggest battle of his life after being diagnosed with MND in 2013. With the time he has left, Neale has pledged to raise awareness about this incurable disease and play a part in accelerating the fight to cure MND.
MND is a progressive, terminal neurological disease that can affect anyone. Astonishingly, every 12 hours someone gets MND in Australia and every 12 hours someone dies. Neale said: ‘There is no prevention, no treatment and no cure – and that is why I am talking because we need to find some prevention, treatment or cure’.
Daniher’s Drive is a community event, which stops in several Victorian towns each day to play games like cricket and football with local teams as well as share stories and enjoy a range of local activities and entertainment.
Every year, driven supporters get together to support this cause. This October, teams of 375 fundraisers including Neale jumped on board and drove around Victoria, Australia, in order to raise awareness and funds.
Anthony along with three friends and fellow motoring enthusiasts Chris Mason, Tony Wratten and Paul Robinson drove a classic 1970 Cadillac Sedan Deville over the 4 day event, travelling through many regional towns in Victoria including Nagambie, Wangaratta, Wagga Wagga, Lockhart, Corowa, Echuca, Moama, Charlton, St Arnaud, Ballarat and of course Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs.
The Cadillac certainly gained the attention and interest they’d hoped for, with many local companies coming forward to donate. Some of their top supporters included Leemark Fire Protection, Bexters and Flowcrete Australia to name but a few.
Due to reaching their original $4000 target early on, the team set a new ambitious goal of $9000, which they’ve surpassed raising over $9,200 – an incredible achievement!
On completion of the drive, team Slunter said:
“This is the first time we have done anything like this and I must say what an inspirational and rewarding experience. Over the past four days we have really seen the positive side of life. The generosity and friendship and attitudes of people we had never met before was amazing.
“This was only possible from the support we had from you and all of the generous donations we received over the journey. A big genuine thank you from all of us and the Daniher family”.
Want to get involved? Visit Team Slunter’s donation page or click through to Daniher’s Drive event page!