Sadly we are remembering our good friend Rob Smith who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) this week, leaving behind his wife Alex, and his young children Charli and Ben. He was only 50 years old.

Motor Neurone Disease is a degenerative and fatal disease with no known cure. Rob was a no-nonsense Northerner and was determined not to let the disease stop him. For as long as he possibly could, he carried on with his life: running the business that he had built, providing for his family, and indulging his hobbies of hunting, fishing, motorbiking, camping and above all, being a wonderful and doting father to his two beloved kids.

MND is a horrifying disease.

People with MND become trapped in their own bodies over time, unable to move and unable to communicate. Eventually, the body becomes unable to breathe. It is terrifying and

I am raising money for the MND Association of Queensland, who have been fantastic in providing support to Rob and his family. Alex is forever grateful for their proactive support especially in the esrly days as the disease progressed faster than they anticipated.

They are committed to supporting and maintaining the quality of life for all people living with MND within Queensland. They run an MND Advisory Service, provide access to equipment to help people remain comfortable and as independent as possible within their own homes. They provide carer support and coordinate with NDIS (disability support) to provide therapy including Occupational Therapy to assist with the many home modifications that are required. At the moment, research is underfunded and there are many diagnosed sufferers who fall through the cracks and do not get the support they so desperately need.

Please do what you can to support a fantastic charity. Thank you all x