Melbourne-headquartered insurance group McLardy McShane has vowed to continue raising funds for FightMND to honour the legacy of Neale Daniher, who died this week following a battle with the disease.

Mr Daniher played for the Essendon Football Club before coaching Melbourne – a club with which McLardy McShane retains strong links. Mr Daniher, the 2025 Australian of the Year, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013 and co-founded the FightMND charity, which is focused on funding research into a cure.

McLardy McShane has been a committed supporter of Mr Daniher and the charity, holding an annual fundraising golf day and raising more than $2 million for the cause.

 

Neale Daniher at one of the McLardy McShane golf days

 

The company says Mr Daniher’s courage and selflessness “inspired an entire nation”.

“Our founders, Don McLardy and Mike McShane, shared a long-standing relationship and friendship with Neale that spanned many years,” it wrote on Instagram.

“Through footy, a connection formed that grew into something far greater – built on mutual interests, shared values and a genuine friendship that remained throughout Neale’s journey.

“Through his battle with motor neurone disease, Neale showed the world what resilience truly looks like.

“Even during his own fight, his focus never shifted to himself – it shifted to others.

“Through FightMND, Neale created a movement that continues to push the fight forward against this devastating disease.

“In honour of Neale’s legacy, we will continue to support the work of the Daniher family and FightMND in raising awareness and funding vital research.

“We will continue to fight until a cure is found.”

A state funeral will be held for Mr Daniher, who died aged 65.