Page 10 The Moorabool News – 7 June, 2022
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Big Freeze slides into Marsh By Lachlan Ellis A wintery blast has meant cooler temperatures of late however, a bigger freeze is coming. COVID meant last year’s event had to be cancelled, but the Big Freeze for Fight MND in the Marsh will go ahead this year, with some familiar faces dressing up and sliding into the ice for a great cause. The fun will begin at 2.15 pm on Saturday 11 June at Maddingley Park, prior to the Seniors Bacchus Marsh v Sunbury football match. Confirmed sliders include former Footscray legend Doug Hawkins, Presidents of the Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury Football Clubs, and Ebonie Boreham from Ray White Bacchus Marsh. Despite a recent battle with COVID and pneumonia, Greendale’s Phil O’Keefe – who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in May 2015 – has put his hand up to be the face of the local fight against MND once again, with wife Triss to slide into the ice on Saturday. Mr O’Keefe said it was important to give a “local flavour” to the Big Freeze. “It was a shame last year’s event was cancelled, but that’s the way it goes. We’re looking forward to a big day on Saturday. As a local person with the illness, it gives a good local flavour to the event, makes it a bit more personal for people who live locally,” he told the Moorabool News. “Living with MND has gotten harder progressively. MND takes away all your physical ability to do things, and after a time it takes away your voice. It’s a frustrating experience, to tell you the truth.” When asked why he volunteered to be involved with the Big Freeze again despite his recent illness, Mr O’Keefe’s response was a defiant “I’m still here!” “You’ve got to keep on doing things while you still can. The point isn’t just to raise money for MND research and support the Danihers, but also to support local people. If I can still assist in that regard, then I’ll keep on assisting,” he said. Triss O’Keefe said that while times had been tough financially for people through the COVID pandemic, she hoped people would spare what they could to help find treatments and a cure for MND. “Whatever funds we can raise will be fantastic. It’s one of the very few diseases which, once diagnosed, is a terminal life sentence. The average expectancy is 27 months, but Phil’s had MND for over seven years, so we’re really grateful for that, and to be able to help find a cure,” she said. Event organiser Anne Phyland said Mr O’Keefe’s fighting spirit was incredible, and that every dollar counts in the fight against the “mongrel disease” that is MND. “The O’Keefe family are experiencing MND firsthand…what Phil has been able to achieve with the ‘Stentrode’ stent trial he’s participating in is nothing short of phenomenal, it’s blown all expectations out of the water. He’s doing that selflessly, to help people in the future who will benefit from the trial,” Ms Phyland said. “His dedication, and the passion and rallying for the cause from him and Triss…the support they’ve gathered, particularly in Greendale, is incredible. And it’s really important to be able to have this community event, with the support of the footy clubs.” At the time of writing, almost $7,100 has been raised from donations, with a goal of $15,000. For more information and to donate, visit www.diybigfreeze.com.au and search “Marsh”.
Phil O'Keefe.
THE BIG FREEZE IN THE MARSH IS BACK It’s time to Play On! FIGHT THIS BEAST
Bacchus Marsh FNC V Sunbury FNC Saturday 11th June 2022 Sliders 1 45pm at the ready Maddingley Park
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All donations raised go to FightMND who fund vital research to help find a c ure for MND. Any enquiries contact Anne Phyland Phone: 0488 727 111