2025: Beanies, Drives, research and fighting MND together
What a year 2025 has been! As the year draws to a close, it’s time to press play on our highlights. From the icy thrills of Big Freeze 11 to creative DIY Big Freeze and a journey from the trees to the seas with Daniher’s Drive, Australians have shown that when it comes to fighting MND we don’t just take part. We take the plunge.
The year our Patron became Australian of the Year
The year began with a milestone that set the tone for 2025. Our Co-Founder and Patron, Neale Daniher AO, was named Australian of the Year. This honour recognised his unwavering leadership and relentless advocacy for motor neurone disease research.
Since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, Neale has refused to let the Beast define him. Alongside Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis (OAM), he co-founded FightMND. From the icy thrills of the Big Freeze to the road-tripping adventures of Daniher’s Drive, and many events in-between, Neale has inspired Australians to rally together, support research and fuel hope in the fight against the Beast.
Your community, your freeze, your impact
This year, Big Freeze in Your Community dared you to do and team up in the fight against the Beast. And you didn’t hold back.
From schools to workplaces, local sporting clubs to family backyards, Aussies across the county embraced the challenge with imagination and determination. Every DIY Big Freeze and pair of Socks worn was a reminder that when Australians step up together, real change happens.
You all continue to set the DIY Big Freeze bar high! Our team loves seeing how you bring a local twist to the battle against the Beast. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do for Big Freeze 12 in 2026.
Live it forward: Big Freeze 11 makes a splash
The MCG was a sea of blue Beanies as fans gathered for Big Freeze 11, embracing this year’s theme, Live it Forward. From the moment the crowd filled the stands, the energy was electric. Everyone united in the fight against the Beast and ready to cheer the sliders into icy glory.
The plunge itself was nothing short of legendary, with our Sliders embracing the Aussie Icons theme. Swimming superstar Ariarne Titmus OAM kicked things off with a throwback as Olivia Newton-John, while cycling champ Cadel Evans AM showed his lighter side as Max Gawn, who, in big-hearted fashion, was at the bottom of the Slide cheering him all the way down! AFL icon Peter Daicos OAM brought his signature flair and showmanship as the unforgettable Heath Ledger, leaving fans in awe of his style and theatrics. Matt Nable rocked the slide as AC/DC’s Angus Young in a deeply personal tribute to his brother, who sadly passed from MND in 2024.
Liz Watson dazzled as Margot Robbie, while Matt Shirvington brought the thunder as Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. Extra props for agreeing to don the costume (or at least the wig) on his flight home to Sydney! Alyssa Healy had the crowd in stitches as Magda Szubanski’s iconic Sharon Strzelecki, pash rash and all! Aaron Davey paid homage to a football great as Michael Long, and Craig Lowndes OAM went full throttle as Mad Max. Mark Taylor AO rounded out the line-up, spinning into icy glory as the master of spin, Shane Warne, his former teammate, making the plunge all the more special.
The day also had moments of pure emotion, with Neale’s lap of honour leaving everyone in awe, a moving reminder of courage, resilience, and why we come together each year for this incredible cause.
At the heart of Big Freeze 11 were all of you. Whether you donned a Beanie in the stand, purchased a Digital Beanie at home, or were volunteering on the ground. Your support turned the country blue, showing that together, we’re living it forward and standing strong in the fight against the Beast.
Big Freeze fever sweeps the nation
2025 has been another unforgettable year for the State Freeze! Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia brought their A-game once again with epic state freeze events.
From coast to coast, fans showed up in droves to support FightMND, and the energy was off the charts. Huge thanks to the Adelaide Crows, West Coast Eagles, and Brisbane Lions (back-to-back Premiers – hear the roar!) for helping us turn freezing moments into real impact for the MND community.
A special shoutout to all the incredible volunteers across the country who helped sell Beanies and collect donations at the State Freezes. Your support makes it all possible.
Get ready… State Freezes are coming back in 2026! Stay tuned to find out what’s happening in your state.
Second Global MND Research Roundtable drives action and collaboration
Fast forward to September 2025, and the world’s top MND researchers, clinicians, and advocates gathered for the second Global MND Research Roundtable, building on the momentum from 2024. Over two days, they tackled five critical priorities: refining biomarkers, understanding asymptomatic disease, developing better human models, addressing under-represented populations, and bridging preclinical discoveries into clinical trials.
The event sparked fresh ideas, challenged assumptions, and led to tangible outcomes: new working groups are forming across all priority areas, strategies are being translated into action and virtual follow-up sessions are planned. Stay tuned for more updates on the work of the Roundtable delegates.
Challenging 27 in the fight against MND
September also saw the return of Challenge 27, as Australians from coast to coast took on the challenge their own way to help fund vital MND research. What began as a simple call to move quickly grew into countless personal journeys. Sunrise walks, after-work runs and creative daily movements, all driven by a shared determination to fight MND.
Why 27? It represents the average number of months someone lives after an MND diagnosis. Faced with that reality, our community chose action.
Leading the way were our Challenge Ambassadors. Jack Riewoldt encouraged people to give just 27 minutes each day, proving small efforts can have big impact. Leanne Sklavenitis, living with MND, completed 27 different movements, showing remarkable strength and adaptability. And Katrina Blowers challenged 27 kilometres in honour of her mum, who passed away from MND in 2024.
Together, these stories, and the many others like them, transformed 27 into something powerful. Every step, stretch and kilometre helped honour loved ones, fund vital research and push us closer to a future free from MND.
Daniher’s Drive travels from the trees to the seas
October 2025 saw Daniher’s Drive set out on its epic journey, From the Trees to the Seas, with more than 220 drivers departing from Heidelberg Golf Club, embracing the road, the challenge, and the cause.
On day one the convoy paused at Assumption College, Kilmore, where founder Neale Daniher AO experienced a heartfelt reunion with his old school and the pavilion bearing his name. It was a special moment which set the tone for this year’s Drive.
From winding forest roads to sparkling coastal stretches, every mile carried stories of community and hope. Capping off the event was the Legends of the land Down Under fancy dress gala where, true to tradition, the crowd belted out Neale’s favourite song, Mr Brightside by the Killers.
From our Drive participants and sponsors to the communities who welcomed us with open arms, thank you to everyone who shared the 2025 Drive. We can’t wait to continue the journey in South Australia in 2026.
Record Investment in MND Research in 2025
In 2025, FightMND committed a record $22.9 million to MND research and care projects. This year, we’re proudly supporting 21 innovative research projects, from clinical trials and cutting-edge drug development to projects seeking to unravel the complexities of MND. This year’s investment also aims to empower emerging and established researchers to push the boundaries in the fight against the disease.
We also invested $1.4 million into vital care projects focused on improving day-to-day support, nutrition, ventilator support and equitable care for Australians living with MND.
Each project and initiative brings us closer to breakthroughs, better care and a brighter future for the MND community. Curious to learn more about this year’s funded projects? Check out our News section to learn more about the research your support is helping.
Thank you for all your support in 2025!
It has been another incredible year in the fight against the Beast.
To everyone who volunteered, hosted a DIY event, participated in a Community Round, joined us on Daniher’s Drive, purchased socks, grabbed a Beanie, or donated throughout 2025, thank you.
Thanks also goes to our amazing corporate partners who continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with us.
It takes people to win this fight. Everything we’ve achieved this year has been because of you. Your support helps researchers continue their work towards better treatments, and one day, a cure for MND. More than that, it shows those living with MND, their families, and carers that they are not alone.
While progress continues, the journey is far from over. So, we keep fighting. Keep working towards our vision of a world free of MND.
We go again.