By Olivia Condous
The Moorabool community is rallying behind a local family by braving the cold and raising money for a worthy cause.
The Bacchus Marsh and Greendale communities are raising funds for the Big Freeze 8, to fight for a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) and support local resident Phil O’Keefe in his battle against the condition.
The fundraising efforts will culminate at the Big Freeze in the Marsh football match between the Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury football clubs on Saturday June 11, with many local community members going down the slide and into the ice to show support.
Mr O’Keefe’s wife Triss said the close-knit communities of Greendale and Bacchus Marsh were getting behind the family.
“Rather than fighting this battle on your own, it’s so great to have this support and understanding,” Ms O’Keefe said.
The community has raised almost $9000 so far, with the money going towards FightMND.
Former Western Bulldogs player Doug Hawkins is also getting behind the cause by fundraising and will join in on the day by going down the icy slide.
He visited Mr O’Keefe, an avid football fan, last week to show his support.
Mr O’Keefe was diagnosed with MND in 2015 and has experienced a severe decline in his health over the last two years.
“It’s one of the most horrible afflictions one can have,” Ms O’Keefe said.
The family is looking forward to the day on Saturday, after last year’s big event plans were cancelled due to the pandemic.
“Everybody is rallying together for a good cause and it’s a great way to come out of COVID and all catch up,” Mrs O’Keefe said.
“We’ve been in Greendale for 22 years, it’s such a great community and that extends to Bacchus Marsh as well.”
