A FightMND fundraising event at the MCG coincided with the King’s Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne, where the footy community paid tribute to Daniher, a leading MND advocate.

The funds raised will back efforts to develop treatments and ultimately cure MND, a progressive neurological disease with no current cure.

A Brisbane couple, inspired by Neale Daniher’s relentless fight against MND, contributed to the cause despite never meeting him.

Olympian Cooper Woods and Jo Weston, among others, joined the event in costumes reflecting pop culture and sport icons, including a appearance by Weston dressed as Kylie Minogue.

The couple joked that their bank manager wouldn’t authorize a larger transfer on the day.

Quentin and Kylie Birt donated a record $40 million to FightMND, following an initial $10 million gift, significantly boosting MND research and awareness two weeks after Neale Daniher’s death at 65.

The event featured nostalgic moments, including Dale Thomas wearing a 2010 premiership medallion and Sam Mostyn donning a Neale Daniher guernsey during the slide run.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae highlighted Daniher’s legacy and the club’s family ties to MND, reinforcing the message of hope and ongoing research.

Jai Arrow, a retired NRL player diagnosed with MND at 30, took part by tossing the coin, underscoring personal connections to the disease within sport.

MND continues to pose urgent stakes, with about two Australians diagnosed and two more dying daily, underscoring the need for research.

Overall, the event blended high-profile entertainment and sport figures to honor Daniher and bolster FightMND’s fundraising and awareness ahead of continued MND research and support.

The donation comes amid heightened attention to MND following Daniher’s death weeks earlier and Jai Arrow’s recent diagnosis.