Binalong looks beyond the football fields to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is close to the hearts of many Brahman players, supporters and residents as they have friends or family affected by or have suffered from this disease.

The club and local businesses thought the 2017 season was a great opportunity to spread the word about this disease and raise much needed funds for MND Association of NSW.

Skye Edwards, a good friend of Kayla Phillips and Tim Norman (one of the Brahmans), was diagnosed with Bulbar MND, which affects the throat first, in January 20016.

Ms Edwards was a strong courageous woman who always thought of others before herself. She was more worried about her family and friends and how it would affect them when they found out the news.

Edwards was a fighter and never gave up right to the end. The club and community said they knew that with her diagnosis, she did not have long and passed away in September 2016 peacefully at home.

Even though she knew herself she did not have long, she was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back and go without it.

Ms Edwards suffered the loss of her father one year before being diagnosed herself to the same type of MND. Her father past away within a year of being diagnosed.

She is survived by her partner and a three-year-old daughter whom she loved dearly.

Before passing, Ms Edwards purchased 16^th, 18^th and 21^st birthday presents for her daughter provided her family with financial support for when she had passed.

Ms Edwards’ family was devastated with the news of her death after only suffering the recent loss of their father.

They got behind her in ever way possible and helped as much as they could with fundraisers and support for her partner and daughter when she had passed.

Her brothers and sisters may also be facing the same diagnosis as it is in their family gene. She really was a beautiful person who touched a lot of people's hearts.

Sharn McNeill, cousin of Johnno Pack who is coach of the Jersey Girls, was given devastating news on July 2, 2013 that changed her life forever.

Only 30 years old and in the prime of her life, aspirations to be a mother, to participate in iron man challenges and to open a tea house were shattered.

After 10 months of exhaustive medical tests, Ms McNeill was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – a rare form of MND.

Ms McNeill is now taking on the challenge of her life. It was always a dream of hers to compete in an Ironman event.

Her dreams came true when her partner Russell and a work colleague and good mate enlisted her on the iron man journey in Cairns in 2014.

Her friend used a harness to pull her kayak through the water for the 3.8km swim; he then pushed her wheelchair on the 42.2km run and attached her bike to his during the 180km cycle.

It took the pair 16.5 hours to complete the course, but they crossed the finish line just before midnight (45 minutes before the cutoff).

She gout out of her wheelchair and walked the last 100m. Her rare condition of MND causes extensive muscle wastage affecting her balance and mobility.

Lorraine Walker worked at the post office until she was diagnosed in 2006. Her family, however, has been supportive of her situation.

The MND has stopped her from all interaction with the community. Ms Walker and her family appreciate for all the help from her carers.

In learning about the club’s efforts, they said they were pleased about the initiative to raise funds and increase awareness of MND.

The club said the family was “also glad that the teams do not have to jump into iced water” as part of the iced-bucket challenge.

On Saturday July 29, during its round against Boomanulla Raiders at the Binalong Recreation Ground, the club will host a jersey auction and fundraiser during the day and night.

A raffle will also be doing the rounds at the ground. As well, there will be a jumping castle and an ice cream van for children.

Tickets to the event are $20 each and RSVP essential.

To book and for more information about the day, please contact: