Big Freeze sees funds raised to fight motor neurone disease

Those waiting their turn to slide into a pool of frigidly cold water for a Big Freeze event on Friday morning knew what they were doing was worth it. But that was not a thought that kept them warm.

The intrepid band were lending their support to FightMND at a golf day at the Bendigo Golf Club and included Victoria Police’s Darren Franks.

Several of Superintendent Franks’ colleagues had voted for him to represent Victoria Police at the event.

“I pulled rank and told them if I was going so were they,” he said. So three other police officers were among those taking the plunge to fight motor neurone disease.

Against their better judgement, a number of participants dipped hands or feet in the water before they took to the slide.

“It was a big mistake. Obviously I knew it was going to be freezing, but the water is freezing,” Superintendent Franks said.

Marist College Bendigo principal Darren McGregor took the plunge after his school raised over $1000.

“You’ve got to get behind causes like this. It was interesting because as well as raising the money it raised awareness at the school,” he said.

“There are so many people who have MND or know someone who has had it. It’s a pretty small thing to go into a pool of ice to help them out.”

The event was organised by Maiden Gully’s Julie Baird as she prepared to take part in Daniher’s Drive, a charity event organised by FightMND.

Her fundraising was inspired by a friendship with Les Keene, who was diagnosed with MND earlier this year.

More: How a Maiden Gully friendship inspired tens of thousands of dollars in the fight against MND

Friday’s Big Freeze, golf day, raffle and auction was expected to take Mrs Baird’s fundraising this year to well above $40,000.

As for what it is like to plunge into a giant pool coated in ice cubes, Mr McGregor said it was not too bad.

“Just as I got out it was really cold, but now it’s alright,” he said.

Superintendent Franks, who had to wait nearly until last to go down the slide, also took the cold jolt well.

“It’s not too bad but I think I better get changed now,” he said as water dripped off his uniform.

To donate to Mrs Baird’s fundraising efforts click here.

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