Mate's Crew

We're fundraising for Daniher's Drive!

Hi there,

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.

We are Mate’s Crew, taking part in Daniher’s Drive 2026 to raise funds for FightMND and help find effective treatments, and one day a cure, for motor neurone disease.

Our connection to this cause is deeply personal.

In October 2020, our Dad and husband Geoff Smalley was diagnosed with MND. Like so many others facing this disease, he fought with incredible courage until his passing on 15 February 2022.

To many people, Geoff was simply known as “Mate.”

The name came from his grandson, Jake. Not Poppy, not Grandad. Just Mate. The name stuck and perfectly captured who he was to everyone around him.

Dad spent over 20 years teaching at local high schools, including Sunbury College. He also ran Gisborne South Swimming Centre for more than 30 years, teaching over 10,000 students to swim. As head coach of the South Gisborne Sharks Swimming Club, he supported countless swimmers to pursue competitive swimming and achieve their goals.

Last year we joined Daniher’s Drive for the first time, travelling alongside an incredible community united in the fight against MND. After that experience, we knew we were committed to continuing this journey and sharing Dad’s story.

In 2026, Mate’s Crew will once again hit the road, travelling through South Australia as part of Daniher’s Drive to raise awareness and vital funds to help Beat the Beast that is MND.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps fund critical research and support for Australians living with this devastating disease.

If you are able to support our journey, we would be incredibly grateful.

Together we can honour Dad’s legacy and continue the fight for a world without MND.

Thank you for your support.

💙 Mate’s Crew