“I’m sorry I can’t shake your hand,” Allan Wines said, no longer able to move his arms due to motor neurone disease.

Mr Wines is known in the community as a wonderfully humble man, whose resilience and attitude towards life are an inspiration to those around him and to those who know him.

As a young man, Mr Wines was in a major car accident that left him in a coma and paralysed down one side of his body. Never one to give up, Mr Wines worked hard to get back to 95 per cent of his physical capacity.

He continued on as a champion boxer and talented footballer, nominated in his district’s 50-year all-star team as the best full forward.

He had a great life with a good woman and good kids, he said.

Since his MND diagnosis, life has become more difficult for Mr Wines, who is now in his 90s.

He has lost the use of his arms and has to rely on others to care for him.

This does not come easily to a man who has always valued his strength and his ability to do things for himself. However, Mr Wines doesn't wallow in self-pity.

Mr Wines was diagnosed two years ago, and has been living at Echuca Community for the Aged for seven months after losing the use of his arms.

“I can’t feed myself or dress myself or anything. I’m completely at the hands of the girls (carers),” he said.

Mr Wines believes in the Big Freeze cause and thinks it is a jolly good idea, and he gave praise to the late Neale Daniher for raising the profile the disease.

“He’s put it to the forefront of everyone’s mind, and he’s worked really hard to make a difference. It's been good,” Mr Wines said.

“It’s good to see the staff involved, isn’t it, as well. It’s good to get it out in the public area,” he said.

Kay McGrath, Mr Wines’ daughter, spoke about her father, and how he lost his wife 10 years ago.

“He’s been living independently since then, until all this happened, and he had to come into care,” she said.

“He’s been physically fit and healthy all his life. He’s always exercised. He’s always watched his weight. He’s done everything right, and he’s 91 and a half now.”

Mr Wines wanted people to know how wonderful the staff were at the Community for the Aged.

“He really likes it here,” Mrs McGrath said.

Mr Wines always greets you with a cheerful smile, and he lives by his motto of ‘get on with life’. To him, there’s no point in worrying about things you can’t change.

“Hopefully, they can find a cure, so no-one else has to go through it,” Mr Wines said.

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Wednesday, 5th August 2026

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