A partnership between Jayco Australia and FightMND has helped raise almost $1 million for vital motor neurone disease (MND) research, with the latest campervan raffle generating more than $250,000 to support the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The milestone comes at a time when Australians continue to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Neale Daniher, whose advocacy transformed awareness of the devastating disease and inspired a nationwide movement of support.

Since 2022, Jayco has donated a caravan or campervan each year for FightMND raffles, helping the organisation raise more than $960,000 for research programs, clinical trials and emerging scientists working to better understand MND.

Two Australians are diagnosed with MND every day and two lose their lives to the disease every day, highlighting the urgent need for continued investment in research.

Funding hope through research

The latest raffle, which sold out before the winner is announced on June 30, raised more than $250,000 for FightMND.

According to the organisation, those funds can help support research into whether robotic ankle exoskeletons can be safely used by people living with MND, while also helping to fund the next generation of researchers, including Macquarie University PhD student Flora Cheng through a FightMND scholarship program.

The impact of fundraising efforts extends well beyond individual projects.

Thanks to support from donors and fundraising partners, more than 700 Australians have participated in FightMND-supported clinical trials. Seventeen clinical trials have been funded across Australia, while 37 drug development grants have helped move potential treatments through the research pipeline.

Importantly, six potential treatments have progressed from laboratory research into clinical trials, offering hope for people living with the disease and their families.

Inspired by a remarkable legacy

Jayco founder Gerry Ryan AO OAM said the fundraiser reflected the importance of continuing the work championed by Daniher.

“It’s such a great cause, and it’s a cause that means a great deal to all of us at Jayco,” Ryan said.

“Neale Daniher’s courage, determination and unwavering commitment to finding a cure for MND inspired millions of Australians and changed the conversation around this disease forever. His legacy continues through the incredible work of FightMND and the research it helps fund.”

Ryan said the company was proud to have contributed more than $250,000 through the latest campaign and thanked Australians who purchased tickets and supported the cause.

Every dollar counts

While the raffle winner will soon drive away with a prize worth almost $169,000, the broader success story lies in what the campaign means for Australians affected by MND.

For families living with the disease, every research breakthrough is important. Every clinical trial offers hope and every dollar raised helps researchers move one step closer to understanding, treating and eventually defeating one of Australia’s most challenging neurological diseases.

As the FightMND movement continues to grow, initiatives like the Jayco raffle demonstrate how businesses, charities and everyday Australians can work together to make a tangible difference.