DANIEL Martinez, who has motor neurone disease, will toss the coin before Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood at the MCG.
The opportunity came about after Melbourne co-principal partner Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) generously donated the chance to Martinez.
The 46-year-old, who resides in Bayside, had his first symptoms in January 2013, before he was diagnosed in July that year.
He has one son, six-year-old Matthew, a big Melbourne supporter, who will run through the banner with the team before the round 12 match.
Although Martinez is an old Fitzroy supporter, and now a Brisbane Lions fan, he said the opportunity to toss the coin and see his son run out with Melbourne was something he’ll cherish.
“The significance of the event is not only huge for me, but for my family,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’ll be very nervous [on the day] and also a little bit scared, because my son doesn’t know I’m ill.
“He’ll be running through the banner with the Melbourne players, so he’s stoked, as he’s a Melbourne supporter – that’ll be absolutely brilliant. It’s going to be a very emotional day.”
Martinez said raising funds to help find a cure for MND was now his overall aim.
“Since I was diagnosed, I’ve been trying to do as much as possible to help research and I’ve supported all of the fight MND events – the [Neale] Daniher drive, the Big Freeze at the ‘G and the MND ball. Now I’m trying to raise as much money as possible for this year’s Big Freeze at the G’,” he said.
“MND research is a ridiculously underfunded industry, but thanks to Neale, the Melbourne footy club and the sponsors – it’s all starting to change.
“Research dollars have quadrupled in the last three or four years and finally there is hope for future MND sufferers and there will be treatment or a cure.
“I just want to thank everyone for supporting the Big Freeze and the Melbourne Football Club.”
Queen’s Birthday Monday starts with the annual AHG Walk to the G. The club encourages people to head to Federation Square from 12:30pm and join Neale Daniher in his march to the MCG.
