Motor neurone disease (MND) researchers and specialists at Macquarie University have paid tribute to Neale Daniher and pledged to “Play On” in their quest to identify causes and treatments, ahead of the FightMND co-founder’s State Funeral Service at the MCG on Wednesday 10 June.
“Neale Daniher’s determination to support research towards finding a cure has underpinned growth and national coordination in MND research,” said Professor Roger Chung, Professor of Neurobiology and Neurochemistry and Dean of Medicine at the Macquarie Medical School.
“His efforts led to the raising of significant funding towards establishing a national network of outstanding MND researchers and clinicians, collaborative research infrastructure and supporting high-quality research projects with a focus towards clinical translation.”
Neale Daniher lost his fight with Motor Neurone Disease in May. Picture: Getty Images
Macquarie University has had a long and deep relationship with FightMND and is deeply grateful for the continuing support of FightMND for numerous projects undertaken by Macquarie’s MND Research Centre, Professor Chung said.
“As a national advocate, Neale has represented patients and bought a wider community awareness of the disease. His personal story has inspired many researchers in the field to strive beyond the norm, and to push the boundaries of their efforts with passion and determination.”
“His love for his family was immense, and evident in everything he did,” said Professor Chung. “On behalf of us all here at Macquarie, we extend our deepest condolences and best wishes to the Daniher family.”
The National Neuroproteomics Facility (NNPF), a world-first national facility to allow detailed study of protein function and dysfunction in brain tissue, has been established at Macquarie this year through a A$2 million FightMND National Research Infrastructure grant.
“Neale Daniher’s vision has helped build our national research infrastructure and collaborative networks dedicated to MND proteomics that drive our work every day,” said Associate Professor Albert Lee, Academic Director of the NNPF.
“His fight is our fight, and we Play On.”
