Rebecca Smith

I’m fundraising for FightMND

Hi everyone, 

Many of you would already know that our much-loved boss, mate, and local farming legend, Michael O’Halloran, has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

For those who know Mike, this news has been incredibly difficult to accept. Mike is the kind of person who is always the first to lend a hand, support a neighbour, help a local cause, or quietly step up whenever someone is in need. He has spent his life giving to others, expecting nothing in return.

MND is a devastating disease that attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, gradually taking away a person's ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. Right now, there is no cure.

Inspired by the incredible work of Neale Daniher and FightMND, we want to do our small part to help raise awareness and support the vital research that is bringing hope to families facing this cruel disease.

On 21 June, Bec and Jess, along with their partners, Blair and Reece,  will be taking on the MND Ice Bucket Challenge, but we're doing it country style!

As farm hands at Grifforan Pastoral, and part of the extended Grifforan family we have been fortunate to work alongside Mike every day. We have witnessed firsthand the hard work, kindness, humour, and quiet generosity that make Mike such a respected farmer, mentor, and friend.

Mike himself will be doing the honours, tipping a WHOLE tractor bucket full of icy dam water over us. Knowing Mike, we're pretty sure he's been looking forward to this part more than we have! We suspect there may be a few years' worth of farmhand payback involved.

We'll be shivering and carrying on for a few minutes, but once the laughter dies down, it's important to remember that Mike and thousands of Australians living with MND face challenges every day that don't simply disappear when the water dries off.

We would be incredibly grateful if you could donate whatever you can. Every dollar helps fund research, improve support services, and bring us one step closer to finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

For a man who has spent a lifetime helping others, let's come together and show Mike and his family just how much their community cares.

Please donate if you can, share this post, and help us fight MND. 🩵🤍💙