mmg.com.au

The fundraising target of $300000 is within reach as the Benalla and district communities plan this year’s Mick Rodger Act to D-Feet MND at Lake Benalla on Sunday, February 24.

Last year more than 1400 people walked, ran and cycled to raise more than $50000 towards research programs to discover a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

In the five years since its inception in 2008, the event has raised more than $260000 for research into the presently incurable disease.

Event committee chairman Jim Myconos said communities across north-east Victoria were again being urged to support this year’s event.

‘‘The event will once again focus on raising the awareness of MND by bringing communities together through active participation,’’ Mr Myconos said.

‘‘The day will include a long-cycle event (89km), short-cycle event (26km) walk (5km), relay, and King and Queen of the Lake running events.’’

In addition to the running and cycling events, entertainment will be provided throughout the day and lunch and refreshments will be available.

Every cent raised from the event is donated to research into the disease.

Pre-event registrations will once again be available in the weeks leading up to the day at Mitchell Health Care, Bridge St, Benalla.

Sporting clubs and organisations wishing to enter a relay team are asked to phone Pip O’Donoghue on 0411715208.

■Mick Rodger Act to D-Feet MND was first held in March 2008 after popular Benalla businessman and sportsman, Michael Rodger, was diagnosed with the disease.

Since then a small but committed organising committee, with the tremendous support of the broader community, has raised more than $260000 to help find a cure for the disease.

After a brave battle, Michael passed away in March 2010.

MND is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, swallow and breathe progressively fail to work normally.

The disease, which affects about 1300 people in Australia and their families, was first described in 1869, but there is still no known cause or cure and treatment options are limited.

On average, one person dies every day of MND in Australia.