How volunteering keeps the Millar family connected to Bruce’s legacy

For the Millar family, volunteering has been a part of their DNA for many, many years.  

Bruce Millar was a familiar face around Rye Football Netball Club. As the club’s volunteer Head Trainer for 15 years, he dedicated countless hours to helping players, supporting families and giving back to the local community. 

But in 2011 everything changed. Bruce was diagnosed with MND.  

“When dad was first diagnosed, we had absolutely no idea what MND was and were completely devastated when we learnt more about the disease,” his daughter, Lucy explains. 

Bruce passed away in 2013. In the years since, Lucy, her mum Sue, sisters Amy and Elle, and their growing family have turned their energy towards fundraising and raising awareness for MND research. From the volunteering at the Big Freeze to doing Ice Bucket Challenge and Run Melbourne to trivia nights and Stadium Stomp, the family has spent more than a decade supporting the work of MND Victoria and FightMND. 

Along the way, they’ve also been supported by the community Bruce loved so much. The Rye Football Netball Club continues to rally behind the family and the cause. A reflection of the impact Bruce had on the people around him. 

More than a decade later, the Millar family continues to show up for the MND community, helping honour Bruce’s legacy while supporting families facing the disease today. 

A decade of supporting the fight 

For Lucy, the reason behind every fundraiser and volunteer shift is simple: helping other families facing MND access treatments, support and the possibility of more time. 

“We volunteer and fundraise so other people and families are able to access treatments and have some hope when being diagnosed with this disease,” she says. 

Since the very first Big Freeze in 2014, Lucy has shown up year after year for the cause that changed her life. One of her favourite memories is walking with the Daniher family and Melbourne supporters from Federation Square to the MCG. A tradition made even more meaningful because Bruce was a lifelong Melbourne fan. 

“The feeling on the day and in those moments is just unreal,” Lucy says. 

Why volunteering matters 

For Lucy, volunteering is deeply personal. 

“Knowing how MND impacts the individual, but also their loved ones, I wanted to contribute in some way to hopefully make a difference for anyone who will experience this in the future.” 

Over the years, volunteering has also given her something unexpected: connection. 

“Volunteering also helps you realise that you aren’t alone.” 

When asked to describe the experience in one word, Lucy answers: “Worthwhile.” 

“I really feel privileged to be able to volunteer and support the work that the team at FightMND does,” she says. “And I am so grateful and thankful for all of the people behind the scenes and in the research labs who are putting in the hours of hard work, in the hopes of one day finding a cure for this disease.” 

I Choose Fight. Do you? Volunteer this Big Freeze  

Make 2026 your year to volunteer. And what better time to sign up than during National Volunteer Week! Join volunteers across the country and discover how donating your time can create connection, purpose and stronger communities.  

This year, FightMND is encouraging more Australians to get involved and support Big Freeze 12. 

For Lucy, volunteering has become a way to honour her dad while helping create a better future for other families facing MND. 

“It’s such a wonderful experience,” she says. “Everyone is so generous and you walk away feeling as though you have made a difference.” 

Whether it’s your first Big Freeze or you’ve supported FightMND for years, there’s a place for everyone in the FightMND community. 

Choose Fight and join us for Big Freeze 12. Sign up to volunteer today via our Volunteer Page.