Chapter 1: What is the significance of Neale Daniher's legacy?
From Melbourne to fight MND, Bill Guest was at Neil Danaher's shoulder as he took on the big projects of his life. So it's so right that Bill would join us this morning. Bill, great to have you on the program. Welcome.
Morning, Darren. Yes, thank you for having me on. Just before we start, I agree with that previous caller, Ian. That was such a phenomenal interview with... And you and Faggs, that was just fantastic. And Faggs just summed up Neil so perfectly and so brilliantly.
Thoughts with you, Bill, because I know how close you were to Neil. Have you been able to take in just the admiration that has been across the community since his passing?
Look, it's not surprising. He was an extraordinary man, as we all know. So much has been said about him that his selflessness I was fortunate enough to... Neil sent me a computer text, which he does regularly, and asked me to go round and see him last week, which I did with Pat Cunningham last Thursday afternoon. And you could tell then that was, I think, basically a goodbye.
But he was brave to the end. You know, his courage, his determination, everything that's been said about him is so true. He's a remarkable individual. My whole life... I don't think I've ever met a person that's had a bigger impact.
You know, when you feel a bit down, I've had a couple of health issues, and every time I think of that, I think of Neil, and you move on straight away because he's just inspired so many people in so many different walks of life, not just footy, but in everyday life, and he's touched everybody. Gerard?
Yes. So when he came up with the determination, the choice to fight and fight MND, what did you first think when you sat with him around what he was proposing?
Well, it was extraordinary. My great mate and Neil's great mate, Don McLarty, and Neil rang Don and I and told us both what he was planning and sat down. And like most people, very few people knew what MND was. You sort of had to Google it to understand the impact of the the disease and the obvious outcome. But straight away, he was on the front foot. What are we going to do?
There was Dr. Ian Davis, who sadly died of MMD, Pat Cunningham, who's well known to us all. They got together and decided we've got to come up with something. Hence the beanies and with the help of the Melbourne Football Club, and I stress the Collingwood Football Club, this idea emerged. And then somehow they wrote me into being chairman and sort of the rest is history.
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Chapter 2: How did FightMND come into existence?
If we can't pack out the MCG, I'd be seriously disappointed.
That's the challenge for all of us. Bill, thank you. Beautifully remembered. I appreciate your time today.
Thanks, Gerard.