Back from a trip of a lifetime, Brooke Smalley couldn’t be prouder of what her and her mother Lorraine achieved.
The duo recently returned from Daniher’s Drive, an annual fundraising trip aimed at raising awareness and funding for Motor Neuron Disease, run by FightMND.
The cause is close to their hearts, after they lost their husband and father Geoff ‘Mate’ Smalley to the disease.
In the lead up to the drive, Brooke and her family ensured Mate’s memory lived on, naming their team ‘Mate’s Crew’.
Setting off on 9 October, the duo joined 250 others for an epic four-day road trip, with this year’s ride travelling through Marysville, San Remo and Torquay.
Brooke said she loved getting to know everyone on the journey.
“It was just a really incredible group of people,” she said.
“The majority of them have been affected by or impacted by Motor Neuron Disease, in some form. A lot of people have lost loved ones like ourselves to the disease, and are there to support in each in our grief, but also to raise money that will go towards research.
“To be amongst a group of people that understand what you’ve been through is an incredible thing to be a part of.”
Brooke and Lorraine managed to raise over $16,000 for the cause, smashing their original goal of $10,000.
This was both Brooke and Lorraine’s first time doing Daniher’s Drive, and Brooke said she will definitely be back next year, when the parade tracks its way to South Australia.
“Its definitely something I’m gonna commit towards every year,” she said.
“Whether mum can come or not, I’m not too sure, but I’m definitely going to do it next year in its 10th year, it’s going to be a huge celebration.
“Once you’re in the FightMND family, I think you’re there for life, you’re wrapped up in a big warm hug from them and you just know that you’re not alone.”
