- Neale Daniher, diagnosed with MND in 2013, co-founded FightMND, raising over $115 million.
- Daniher’s public battle and advocacy have brought significant awareness to MND research.
- Despite advanced MND, Daniher remains a tireless campaigner for a cure, inspiring Australians nationwide.
Neale Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, was named the 2025 Australian of the Year for his monumental efforts in raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). Diagnosed with the disease over a decade ago, Daniher co-founded FightMND, which has raised more than $115 million for critical research.
Daniher’s journey, including his battle with MND, has defied expectations as he continues to live well beyond the average life expectancy of just 27 months for those diagnosed with the disease.
AFL Legend Neale Daniher’s Triumph Over MND Earns Him Australian of the Year
Neale Daniher, who played for Essendon FC and later coached Melbourne Demons, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013. His diagnosis set him on a mission to raise awareness and fund research for the disease. In the years following his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND, a charity that has raised over $115 million to fight MND. His work continues to inspire people across Australia, providing hope to many families affected by the disease.
Despite his personal challenges with MND, Daniher remains dedicated to his cause. MND is a progressive disease that impacts a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe. Yet, Daniher has become a beacon of hope, continuing his advocacy efforts and inspiring others to join the fight. His story is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Daniher’s story is also a reflection of the crucial need for more funding in medical research for underfunded diseases like MND. He believes that MND is not incurable, but rather, it’s misunderstood and underfunded. Through FightMND, he is determined to change that, ensuring that future generations won’t have to suffer the same fate as those before them.
The impact of Daniher’s advocacy reaches far beyond just fundraising. His courage in the face of the disease has changed the conversation about MND, giving Australians a new sense of hope. His legacy is not just in the money raised for research, but in the movement he has created, one that encourages people to fight for a cure and for those who are affected by MND every day.
Neale Daniher’s recognition as Australian of the Year is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when they fight for a cause greater than themselves, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and determination.
“This disease is not incurable. It’s simply underfunded and misunderstood. With focus, funding, and unwavering determination, we can change that.”
