Busselton Stocker Preston make huge splash for Motor Neurone Disease | Photos

MND refers to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, swallow and breathe fail to work normally and eventually die.

In order to help freeze the progress of this disease Jason Cooper, Mark Mitchell and Boyd Reilly will be jumped off the end of the Busselton Jetty and into the freezing winter waters. 

Boyd Reilly was first to take the plunge and was all smiles when he got back up. 

It was then Mark Mitchell’s turn, who had decided less was more when it came to swimsuit fashion. 

He was quickly followed Jason Cooper, who described the jump as exhilarating. 

“It was actually my wife’s idea,” Mr Cooper said.

“After watching Neale Daniher’s Big Freeze interview we decided to try and raise some funds ourselves.”

The team have set up a gofundme page and have raised nearly $3,000 in just a few short days.

All funds raised will be split evenly between www.fightmnd.org.au and www.darrensride.com.au

Darren’s Ride is a community focused on raising funds for MND.

Darren Whitby died of MND, aged only 50. Not wanting his death to be in vain, his wife Kirsten set up Darren’s Ride, symbolic of his ride through life, will help to ensure his memory lives on and that funds are raised to help freeze the progress of this disease.

Mrs Whitby also joined in, braving the cold weather and jumping in after the Stocker Preston team.

The Stocker Preston team are hoping to raise as much funds as possible for both of these worthy causes.

“Every little bit helps, we have already had such a great response from the community we hope to keep it going,” Mr Cooper said.

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated so far and encourage every to help us continue to raise even more money for both the worthy causes.” 

To get involved or donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/huge-splash-for-mnd-awareness