By Grace Jones | posted on September 7, 2017
FOR members of the Emu Point community, Motor Neurone Disease is close to home.
They recently lost a good friend to the degenerative disease, and another has been diagnosed less than a year ago.
The need to rally together has been the catalyst for the Emu Point Sporting Club’s fundraiser on September 16, which will feature the hallmark ice-bucket challenge.
Funds raised will go towards Motor Neurone Disease Association of Western Australia (MNDAWA) who provide vital support for sufferers, their families and carers.
Vanessa Brooks’ father Ian was diagnosed with the disease in November and said the support of the community had been overwhelming.
“It’s been very touching with how much the Emu Point community has been supporting dad and the family,” Ms Brooks said.
“It’s been so hard dealing with Dad having MND, and to have such a show of support means so much to us.”
Ms Brooks was with her dad when he was diagnosed with MND and said the day would be something she would never forget.
“I’d never seen him cry before and it broke my heart.
“It’s such a terrible diagnosis and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
“MNDAWA has been an amazing support for my family.
“I’ve been going to their You, Me and MND carer’s course and it’s been brilliant to have been given an in-depth knowledge of the disease.
“I’ve learnt how to care for my dad and how to care for my family.”
After Mr Brooks was diagnosed with the terrible disease, Gus Woithe decided to do something about it.
“Everyone in the community wanted to help the families,” he said.
“So we decided the best way to help the Brooks and Swarbricks was to raise money for MNDAWA.”
Mr Woithe said the highlight for the day will be the ice bucket challenge, with 11 people pledging to dump ice over their heads along side him.
He has raised more than $3000 for the challenge on his own so far.
Mr Woithe encourages people to wear blue and white on the day in support of MNDAWA and the Brooks and Swarbrick families.
“We’d like everyone to get in the spirit and wear the MNDAWA colours,” he said.
For more information on joining the ‘Get to the Point’ fundraiser, you can contact Gus Woithe on 0427 241 232.
