We're fundraising for FightMND
Blackburn Junior Football Club are taking part in this year's DIY Big Freeze to fundraise to help FightMND beat the Beast that is motor neurone disease (MND).
Sadly, 2026 is the year we lost Neale Daniher to the Beast but also the year MND has hit far too close to home at the Blackburn Football Club. Michelle Windsor, Mum to Our Club Captain Rory, was diagnosed with MND in late 2025. This is her story....
I was diagnosed in late 2025 but my symptoms started in late 2024 when I noticed a slight slur to my speech.
It wasn't noticeable to anyone else then, but I knew something wasn't right. Initially I thought it was related to some dental work.
Over the next few months, it got worse but still wasn't noticeable to others. I had also noticed I was out of breath more easily and was coughing sometimes when drinking.
Throughout the middle of 2025 I saw many medical professionals and had a lot of tests, trying to work out what it was.
My symptoms were getting worse and my speech was noticed by others now. Like most people would, I was searching the internet trying to find a cause.
Bulbar Onset MND kept cropping up, but it was so hard to believe it could be that. I thought it had to be something else.
I saw a neurologist in August 2025, and she said she was very concerned it was MND, but she needed to do tests to exclude other conditions and monitor my progress over the next few months.
Unfortunately, when I saw her again in November, I was formally diagnosed. As you can imagine, this was the most devastating news.
Bulbar Onset MND is about 30% of all cases and starts with speech, swallowing and breathing. MND occurs when the nerve muscles gradually stop working. Without these nerve cells, muscles progressively weaken and atrophy.
MND is 100% terminal. The only treatment is to manage your symptoms. This year I started non-invasive ventilation at night and last month I had a feeding tube put in. My speech is no longer intelligible to most people.
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BURNERS HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The Blackburn Community have shown themselves to be tireless supporters of each other and worthy causes. We encourage you to donate to FIGHTMND to continue to fund research for a cure to this horrendous Beast.
As Beanies for BIG FREEZE 12 have sold out across the nation, we urge you to purchase a virtual beanie, which has the added bonus of being environmentally friendly! Additionally, Sunday 14th June from 5pm will see Burners take on the ice bucket challenge.
This year we have families and individuals take on the ice bucket challenge.
Here's some of our challengers:
Michaela Thompson - BJFC Apparel Manager
Vicky Wright and Family - BJFC Apparel Manager
Michael Guardiani and Family - Girls U10 Coach
Josie Harvey & Rory Fleming - BJFC Club Captains
Sue Fearn-Wannan & Family - Boys U13 Reds Coach
Rhett Orr, Kylie Porter & Family - BJFC Registrar, Social Committee member.
Sally Webb & Family - BJFC Treasurer
MND is a progressive disease that gradually takes away a person’s use of their arms and legs, their ability to eat and swallow, their speech and ultimately, their ability to breathe... all in an average timeframe of just 27 months. Please help us by donating through our page.
It only takes a minute, and any money you can give will go to improving care for people living with MND, funding research into more effective treatments, and eventually, finding a cure.
Thank you, we really appreciate your support. Together we can defeat the Beast.
Thank you to our Sponsors
$1.23k
Grant Ralston “the Ralstons”
$529
Matt Drum
For Rory and his wonderful mother Michelle!!
$337
De Leo Family
Sending love, strength and support your way ❤️❤️
$267
Neil Grigg
$210
Infiniti Group Australia
Well done to Sally and all participants. Amazing!!
$200
Mcgregor Family
In support of the Windsor/Flemming family!
$163
The Dohertys
$163
Katherine Von Schill
Huge hugs and Love to you & your family Michelle x
$163
Harman Family
Rory you are inspiring and courageous
$163
Helen
Good on you
$159
Leanne Ralston
In support of my dear friend Michelle. X
$150
Kate Turner
$106
Jane Brenchley
$106
Tammy, Mia And Family
So much love to you Michelle. Well done Rory!
$106
Sarah Fulton
$106
Bill F
Keep up the good fight!!!
$106
Rowse Family
Sending our love to the Fleming/Windsor family
$106
Antony Cole
$106
Anonymous
$106
G Fleming
$106
Whitmee Family
Thinking of you all. Sending all our love.
$106
Jayne Kierce
$106
Anonymous
Great stuff guys. Go Sal!!
$106
Max Ewens
$106
Colleen Kierce
Be strong my darling Rory Fleming.
$106
Anonymous
$106
Melinda Lee Tet
What a fantastic effort Rory.
$106
Michelle Whitehead
$104
Lauren Darling
$104
Kylie Cook
Amazing support! Fight on. Well done Sally!
$100
Daniel Griffiths
$100
Jill
$94
Grace Leong
Love to you and family Michelle. ❤️
$81
Roslyn Ireland
$81
Laura Mcgeoch
Love to you Michelle! From your Smarties teammate
$81
Jodie Hobbs
Lots of Love & Strength to Michelle & family x
$81
Vicky Wright
$81
Steven Wright
$81
Harry Brown
Good on you Rory.
$81
Leah Delany
Go burners!
$81
Travis O’brien
$81
Bec
With love and strength to Michelle and the family
$65
Simon Henry
$60
Ava O’hare
Go Rory and Michelle ❤️
$55
Jude And Levi Herbert
Best wishes! Go Burners!!!
$55
Emily Lee Tet
You are so strong Michelle 💛
$55
Mary Cole
Well done Team!!
$55
Jason & Kelli Hugo
$55
Matt Lee
$55
Angelique Snowsill
$55
Bruce Frederick
$55
Wendy & Fred Despott
For Michelle. Well done Rory.
$55
Kate Young
$55
Emily Trejo
$55
Veronica G
Go team ! Amazing effort.
$55
Aude Joyce
$55
Anonymous
$55
Brooke Armstrong
$55
India Fleming
<3
$55
Kylie Conboy
Well done Rory!!
$55
Sally Webb
$55
Alison
Congratulations for your courage and good spirite
$55
Anonymous
Well done everyone!!
$55
Derek Reilly
Behind Rory, Michelle & family fighting the beast
$55
Mario Marcucci
$55
Judith And Harry Kierce
Praying for a miracle! ❤️ Michelle ❤️Go Rory!!
$55
Sally Huynh
$55
Owen Family
Let’s go Rory! 💙
$55
The Harvey Family
All in 💕
$55
Bainbridge Family
Best wishes to you Michelle with your fight 💙💙
$55
Cheryl Thompson
$55
Beryl Kierce
Thinking of you all every day Michelle.
$55
Rachel Dee
In support of my amazing Cousin Michelle. Go Rory!
$55
Michelle Windsor
$54
Burners Bernets
$54
Anonymous
$50
Nicole, Ross, Noah,lucy, Sophie & Rose Windsor
Praying for a miracle cure for my sister. Go Rory.
$50
Joanne Windsor
Well done on raising awareness
$44
Anonymous
$28
Darren
Well done Sally
$24
Margaret Snowsill
$24
Rory Stewart
All the best for the the day well done.
$24
Marisa Dickins
$20
Jono Stokes
$18
…a small gesture for a big cause.. ❤️Michelle