ZURICH Australia has made a $50,000 donation to Neale Daniher’s FightMND, in support of the continued battle against motor neurone disease.

Appearing on Channel Seven’s The Front Bar on Thursday evening, coach Simon Goodwin surprised Daniher, presenting the cheque on behalf of Melbourne’s co-principal partner.

CEO of Zurich Life & Investments Tim Bailey said the donation was for a very deserving cause.

“As a life insurer we see first hand the financial and emotional devastation that MND can cause to sufferers and their loved ones,” he said.

“Zurich’s partnership with the Melbourne Football Club gives us the opportunity to participate in its impressive program of community initiatives, and FightMND is one cause that is particularly close to our hearts.”

As one of Australia’s leading insurers, Bailey said the company’s experience made the donation even more important.

“The claims we pay out each year to customers with MND help them and their families cope with the consequences of this insidious disease.”

“This donation hopefully gets us a little closer to finding a cure for MND, once and for all.”

Since being diagnosed with MND in 2013, Daniher has inspired the football and wider community, with support culminating at the Big Freeze on Queen’s Birthday.

Now in its fourth year, the Big Freeze will return to the MCG, with all 18 AFL coaches sliding into the icy cold water prior to the Demons taking on Collingwood.

Bailey said being part of Monday’s event was essential.

“Becoming a corporate partner with FightMND, and proud sponsor of Big Freeze 4 and the Walk to the ‘G, allows us to deepen the support to MND sufferers.”

Zurich’s Walk to the ‘G will begin at Federation Square from 11.30am, with special guests, giveaways and the chance to purchase a Big Freeze 4 beanie before the game.

Daniher will then lead the crowd, departing for the MCG at 1.15pm.

The action will continue once inside the stadium, with Goodwin being one the first ‘slider’ to take the plunge at 2pm, and the annual clash commencing at 3.20pm.

To help find a cure and treatment for MND, donate or buy a beanie HERE.