Never Give Up Group raising funds for MND at Heathcote Bowls Club

by Melanie Allen

In October 2015 a member of Heathcote Bowling Club was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). On New Year’s Eve three club members met at a local hotel with an idea of helping their mate. Just twenty-six days later, $22,000 was raised in a 24-hour bowls marathon. $10,000 was given to MND Victoria, $10,000 to MND Research, with the balance put towards installing Foxtel, so their mate Dennis could watch his beloved Magpies.

So was born their annual Australia Day fundraiser for MND, and a dedicated fundraising committee, the NEVER GIVE UP GROUP Inc.

Over the years the club has held two 24-hour bowls marathons, with Daniel & Stacy Woodrow bowling continuously in the second event held in 2018. Daniel was previously with Bowls Australia, and is currently with MND Victoria, employed as their fundraiser.

At a recent dinner at the golf club, more than $4,000 was raised. Whilst not a great deal of money in the scheme of things, the team’s philosophy is simple – $250 raised today is $250 MND Victoria did not have yesterday.

MND Victoria provide all the necessary equipment for MND sufferers throughout Victoria, they currently support more than 450 people. Vital equipment such as wheelchairs, motorised scooters, specialised bedding etc, are in high demand. This is all provided at no cost to the patient.

The cost to fund this type of equipment is approximately $3,000,000 per year. The Government contributes $1,000,000, so MND Victoria must fundraise $2,000,000 to keep up their incredible service.

The Never Give Up Group, in conjunction with Heathcote Bowling Club, will continue to run innovative and fun events, helping this very worthwhile cause. Over the past 5 years more than $60,000 has been raised!

This year’s Australia Day event at Heathcote promises to be anther fun filled day, and the club is excited to be hosting both Neil Dalrymple, Bowls Australia CEO, and Bob Boorman, Bowls Australia President, who are both playing on the day. There are a small number of spots still available.

For more information, to donate, or to enter a team, contact Heathcote Bowls Club Secretary, Peter Cunningham on 0418 304 259


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