BENDIGO'S Julie Baird has been dedicating much of her time to raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease.
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After losing more than one friend to the illness over the years, Julie knew she had to do something, it was time to make some noise.
"I had a friend in Bendigo and one in Donald who have both died from MND, so a few friends and I said we would do the Daniher Drive together a few years ago," she said.
"I've done two drives now, but we've had to miss the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"But we've still done the fundraising - as much as we can - and I think we've raised more than $160,000 for MND research."
And she's not slowing down. Julie plans to walk the Kokoda Track with her sons Adam and Travis in a year or so, when pandemic restrictions allow.
"It's a real shame because we wanted to do something more and find a real challenge for ourselves while raising money for something we're passionate about," she said.
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"Like Daniher's Drive not running, we've still managed to raise money, but hopefully we'll be able to make the trip next year instead.
"And if we can't, I'd like to look into possibly doing something equally as challenging somewhere in Australia."
But Julie said she was glad to be able to fundraise at almost full capacity now restrictions have eased.
"Fundraisers were really hit hard during the pandemic," she said.
"While we may not be able to have the beloved Big Freeze just yet, we're happy to have most things up and running."
This year Julie has organised a fundraising event at Bendigo Golf Club.
She said there will be a smorgasbord dinner, games, raffles and auctions, as well as the golf competition.
Teeing off at 12.30pm on December 5, Julie hopes everyone will get around the event and donate to raise awareness of MND.
"The golf day is a good way to get people back together, safely, after the last two years we've had," she said.
"We're looking for teams of two. It will be $100 a head and if anyone would like to sponsor a hole, they will be available for $200."
If you would like to get involved or take part on the day, call Julie on 0428 250 786.
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