Gunnedah takesicy plunge for MND

A BIG freeze has swept across Gunnedah, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease.

Ice bucket challenges held across the community on Friday and Saturday raised about $8,000.

Timathy Richter is dunked by David and Matthew Job.

The chill started on Friday, with an estimated 65 people attending an event at Sunnyfield Disability Service’s Stock Road hub.

Mataius Livermore and Bec Borthistle. BELOW: Allahna Marsh and Lauren Muggleton.

Eight people were dunked during the fun-filled event, with participants dressed as Super Mario and Luigi, Mrs Brown from Mrs Brown’s Boys, a Minion, Santa Claus and even prisoners.

Shyanne Davis and Tracey Fing.

“The Sunnyfield clients love it every year,” organiser Lauren Muggleton said.

“A fair few clients got to dunk their support workers.”

Bec Borthistle and Tash Fisher. BELOW: Timathy Richter is dunked by David and Matthew Job.

It marked the fourth year of the Sunnyfield event, before the awareness and fundraising effort continued with another ice bucket challenge at Saturday’s markets.

In a special moment, Bernadette McEvoy was among those who braved an ice-cold dunk.

Bernadette McEvoy gets dunked.

Gunnedah’s MND fundraising movement began several years ago during the courageous battle of her husband, Rick, a beloved long-time local educator who died in January 2024.

Rick watched proudly as the St Xavier’s school community combined for a major fundraising effort in 2023.

Leonie Jarratt is dunked as part of the ice bucket challenge. RIGHT: Timathy Richter takes the plunge and is dunked by Sharon Borchadt and Leonie Jarratt.

Tim Richter played a key role in establishing the town’s ice bucket challenges, which have now raised close to $60,000.

“The first year was great with Rick there. He had a great giggle,” Lauren said.

Sharon Borchadt, dressed as Sharon (from Kath and Kim), is dunked. TOP: Bernadette McEvoy gets dunked.

Leonie Jarratt also took up the challenge at the markets in memory of her late sister, Noelene Alexander.

Occupational therapist Sharon Borchadt added a fun touch to the event by dressing as Sharon from Kath and Kim.

Robert Pankhurst and Paul Kokegei.

“It was the best costume of the day,” Lauren said.

“Everyone was cheering on.”

Allahna Marsh and Lauren Muggleton.

Lauren said the continued awareness raised about MND provided important support to people living with the disease and their families.

“No one knows what they’re going through, except for each other,” she said.

Allahna Marsh and Michael Porter.

“It’s nice for the families to know that they’re not alone.”

Reflecting on the two events, Lauren said she was grateful for the community’s support.

Gareth Dando and Corenna Doolan being dunked by Sadie Bryant, Allahna Marsh and Eloise O’Donnell.

“The best part is spending time with amazing people,” she said.

“Seeing everyone’s support has been fabulous.”

Sharon Borchadt, Timothy Richter, Bernadette McEvoy, Leonie Jarratt and Lauren Muggleton.

Next year, organisers plan for the return of an MND golf day.

Funds raised from the two events will predominantly go towards the Fight MND cause, with a donation also to be made to Rotary’s MND scholarship program.