Driving with Geoff. Mate’s Crew hits the road for Daniher’s Drive
This year marks Brook and Lorraine Smalley’s inaugural Daniher’s Drive. For them, this journey isn’t just about fundraising or raising awareness about motor neurone disease (MND). They are fulfilling a promise and honouring a man whose quiet courage still fuels their every mile.
Geoff Smalley, known lovingly to his family as “Mate”, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). in October 2020. He passed away just 16 months later, but the strength he showed during that time continues to ripple through the lives of those who knew him.
“His decline was rapid, but his courage through it all continues to inspire us,” says Brooke, Geoff’s daughter.
For Lorraine, Geoff’s wife of many years, the story began even earlier. One night in July 2019, Geoff began slurring his words over dinner. He brushed it off as a side effect from a dental visit. But as the months rolled on, more subtle changes emerged. Fatigue, withdrawal, a softening voice. Then came the difficulty using a knife and fork.
“I remember watching him try to eat and thinking to myself, ‘That’s Neale Daniher sitting there.’ That moment has never left me,” Lorraine recalls.
Despite several GP visits and specialist appointments, Geoff’s MND wasn’t diagnosed until October 2020. After eight months, multiple misdiagnoses and a lot of perseverance.
A week after receiving his diagnosis, Geoff was hospitalised. By the time he came home, he had a feeding tube and breathing support. Geoff and Lorraine managed thanks to the love of their daughters and the wonderful support of MND Victoria.
Geoff passed away at home, as he wished, on 15 February 2022.
“He never gave up,” said Lorraine.
Hitting the road in honour of Geoff’s memory
Geoff and Lorraine had always planned to travel after retirement. Road trips, new towns, the simple joy of being on the move. But COVID put those plans on hold. And then came MND.
“The only trip he took in Mum’s new car was the drive home from hospital,” Brooke says. “He never left the house again.”
This year, Brook and Lorraine are reclaiming the dream to travel. Not just for themselves, but for Geoff.
“The Drive gives me a way to fulfil a little bit of what Geoff and I dreamed of after retiring,” Lorraine shares. “Just getting in the car and going. I know he’ll be with us every step of the way.”
Meet Mate’s Crew
In true Smalley style, their Drive team has a name full of love and family history. Mate’s Crew.
The nickname “Mate” came from Geoff’s eldest grandson, Jake. One day, as a toddler, Jake was told, “Go find your mate,” and went bounding through the house yelling, “Mate! Mate, where are you?” From that day on, Geoff was never “Dad” or “Poppa”. He was simply, perfectly, “Mate.”
Mate’s Crew is now rallying their community to raise awareness and funds to fight MND. Brooke set a bold fundraising goal of $10,000, double the usual commitment, and they’re well on their way, fuelled by BBQs, luncheons, a virtual golf day and sheer determination.
“I didn’t want to go in half-arsed,” she explains with pride. “Mum thought I was mad and she asked when we’d hit our first $1,000. I cockily said, ‘by the end of March’ and we did!”
“The community support has been amazing. It gives us purpose and a way to give back to the cause that has already given so much to us in support,” said Lorraine.
Why they drive
For Brooke, Daniher’s Drive is about taking her mum on the trip she never got to have. And doing it in memory of her dad.
For Lorraine, it’s about being part of something that matters.
“Being surrounded by people who understand, and honouring Geoff by driving in his name. That means everything.”
They’re also driving for change. Brooke wants to see better support for those over 65 diagnosed with MND. Especially those who only have access to My Aged Care funding, which falls short of the complex care needed.
Lorraine, meanwhile, is determined to push for earlier diagnosis.
“It took too long for anyone to even consider MND in Geoff’s case. We need better awareness at the frontline. GPs and specialists need more education to help families like ours get the answers they need, sooner.”
Carrying the Torch
Brooke and Lorraine are deeply grateful to the Daniher family, whose public fight has helped so many, including them.
“Their bravery gave us the ability to recognise the signs and prepare for the road ahead,” they say. “Neale and the Daniher family helped us navigate the darkest of times, and now we’re proud to help carry the torch.”
As Mate’s Crew gets ready to travel from the Trees to the Seas, they know that they’re not just taking a road trip.
They’re driving with purpose, with love and with a mate riding shotgun in spirit every kilometre of the way.
Be part of Daniher’s Drive in 2025
There’s still time to join the adventure! Daniher’s Drive 2025 is your chance to hit the road with purpose, just like Mate’s Crew, who are honouring Geoff’s memory by completing the trip he never got to take.
Whether you’re driving for a loved one, for the cause or for the camaraderie, this four-day journey is not to be missed. Be part of something meaningful this October. Registrations are still open. Sign up today and help drive us closer to a cure for MND.