Hundreds of people packed the Rich River Golf Club grounds on Monday to watch 18 brave locals take the plunge into an ice-cold pool at the Echuca Moama Big Freeze event.

This year, representatives from local sporting clubs, businesses, organisations and passionate individuals stepped up for the cause.

For slider Chris Lee, the cause was close to her heart, as her father passed away in September last year after a three-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

Mrs Lee said despite the sadness of losing FightMND co-founder Neale Daniher and her own father, it was heartening to be surrounded by supportive community members and fellow sliders.

“It’s really sad with Neale passing away and Dad passing away not so long ago ... but the funds that are raised for MND is just phenomenal,” she said.

“This group is so supportive and everybody is really understanding ... It’s a beautiful group to be part of.

“It’s a legacy to Neale Daniher and his family who have just worked so, so hard in order to make the life of people living with MND better and also, maybe find a cure one day.”

Another slider, Rhonda Pagram, took to the slide in honour of her late husband, Kevin, who passed away seven years ago from MND.

Although extremely nervous, and with a fear of heights and water, she hit the water sliding.

Mrs Pagram believes that the Big Freeze is as important as ever.

“This community is amazing; they always come through. They’ve supported me so much,” she said.

“Spreading awareness about MND, so people understand what it is and what it entails (is so important).”

In the lead-up to the big day, each slider carried out their own fundraising activities, with a goal of raising $1000 before taking on the big slide.

However, many went above and beyond, including slider Phoebe Keech, who managed to raise $7553, more than doubling her original goal of $3000.

A board member, netball coach and player for the Mathoura Football Netball Club and functions co-ordinator for Rich River Golf Club, Mrs Keech represented both organisations on the day.

However, she dedicated her plunge to her friend Greg Glenn, whom she first met while working at the club before going on to form a special bond.

“I used to serve him in the bistro. I served him before he got diagnosed, and I served him during his diagnosis, and unfortunately, he lost his battle last September,” she said.

“You don’t realise it, especially in a small community like Echuca Moama, how many people have directly been affected by MND.

“It’s just it’s so eye-opening, and it’s really good what everyone’s doing today."

Another slider with deeply personal motivation was Archer Weeks, who slid in honour of his much‑loved nan, who passed away from MND in 2022.

Dressed as the Joker from The Dark Knight, Archer appeared unfazed in the face of the plunge.

Having had nearly $7000 pledged to him before the big day, Mr Weeks thanked his friends and family for spreading the word for him.

“The support has been awesome,” he said.

“The footy club has been right around it. It’s been really good to see.”

When asked about the importance of such events, Mr Weeks had this to say.

“They are really important,” he said.

“They raise awareness for a disease that currently has no cure and that takes away the abilities and the lives of innocent people.”

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Friday, 13th April 2029

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