It is with deep sadness that The Florey mourns the passing of FightMND co-founder and former Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher AO.
Neale was an extraordinary ambassador and tireless advocate in the fight against "the Beast" that is motor neurone disease (MND), which he courageously lived with for more than a decade.
Through his powerful advocacy work, Neale helped to raise millions of dollars for researchers in Australia and around the world working to find a cure for MND.
For more than a decade, this funding has provided critical support for Florey researchers to think innovatively, use cutting-edge technology, and help to improve the lives of people affected by what is one of the most complex neurological disorders.
Professor Peter van Wijngaarden, Executive Director of The Florey, said: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Neale's family and friends. Neale was both a dear friend of The Florey and a great source of inspiration.
"Neale made the fight against MND one that everyone can get behind. He created a movement that so many are proud to be a part of. An extraordinary $17.5 million has been awarded to The Florey from FightMND, enabling us to be bolder than ever in our search for a treatment.
"Even in his own battle with MND, Neale was fighting for everyone who would come after him. We will forever be grateful to him and FightMND for putting this disease in the spotlight, inspiring so many and supporting vital research at The Florey and across the globe."
Dr Thanuja Dharmadasa, The Florey's leading MND clinician-researcher, said: "When I first started seeing patients with MND, it was an area of medicine where there was very little hope to offer. In founding FightMND, Neale fundamentally changed that.
"There is no doubt that Neale has made Australia a global leader in MND research. The support and momentum that he created has given us the ability to think outside the box and pursue bold new approaches to solve this complex disease. His legacy extends far beyond research funding; he has changed the national conversation around MND both in the clinic and in the broader community.
"Neale was deeply engaged in the progress of MND research and participated in studies aimed at improving outcomes for people living with the disease. He understood the urgency and the challenge of the work ahead; his involvement has brought great hope to those living with MND and tremendous motivation to the scientists striving to make a difference."
"Neale's advocacy and relentless determination have mobilised the nation. It is this powerful combination of advocacy and hope founded in research that will stand as Neale's enduring gift," Professor van Wijngaarden added.
About us:
The Florey is an independent medical research institute devoted to tackling brain and mental health conditions. Our mission is to improve lives through research. We envisage a world where early detection and timely intervention mean these conditions are preventable or treatable, so that we can all live full and healthy lives.
We have more than 50 teams investigating our research priorities: Dementia, Neurodegeneration and Immunology, Stroke and Critical Care, Epilepsy and Neurodevelopment, and Mental Health.
