IT IS the disease so cruel even doctors call it “the bastard”. But local families have been granted some hope a cure to motor neurone disease is on the horizon, thanks to a herculean community effort.
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Three-hundred people packed into a sold-out Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday for the Champs, Cramps and Challenges gala evening, which raised close to $100,000 for motor neurone research.
Tamworth woman Megan Yeo organised the fundraising event for her father Graham and family friend of more than 30 years, Daryl Bath, who where both diagnosed with motor neurone disease in early 2012.
“It was about the whole community coming together,” Ms Yeo said.
“It highlighted the definite need for more funding.
“It’s not an incurable disease, we just need funding to help find a cure.”
Auctioneer Tim Bensley touted a swag of donated items in the silent auction, with everything from Mollymook accommodation to an Archibald Prize artwork and tickets to the Bledisloe Cup going under the mallet.
Esteemed poet and entertainer, Murray Hartin, entertained the crowd before Professor Dominic Rowe, the neurologist for Mr Yeo and Mr Bath, gave the keynote address. All of the money raised will be donated to the Macquarie University Hospital research department.
“We can’t thank the people of this region enough,” Ms Yeo said. “It wasn’t just for the Yeo and Bath families. It’s about raising much-needed funds.”
Earlier that day, the Twin Peaks Challenge, a running and cycling race at Flagstaff, raised $10,000 for the cause.
To donate to the cause, contact Megan at megsyeo@hotmail.com
