AFL Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins has opened up about his father's motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis, revealing he has leaned on Bec Daniher as a source of support since receiving the bad news last year.
Members of the Daniher and Cousins families joined forces at an MND fundraiser on Friday ahead of Monday's Big Freeze at the MCG, united by their shared experience with the devastating illness.
Bec Daniher's father Neale died last month
Bec's father Neale died last month after a 13-year battle with the disease, but not before raising more than $110 million in the fight against MND, an effort for which he was honoured as the Australian of the Year in 2025.
Since Cousins' father Bryan was diagnosed with MND a year ago, Daniher has helped the West Coast premiership champion through his own tough times.
"To pick up the phone and speak to her on occasions has been really helpful. Just another amazing Daniher," Cousins told 7NEWS.
Daniher emphasised the importance of reaching out during tough times. "You do need to reach out and ask for help and it's just been great to just have those conversations with Ben," she said.
Cousins speaks about his father's diagnosis
At the Fight MND gala lunch, Cousins spoke of how hard his dad's diagnosis hit him. Bryan stood by him during his drug addiction battles and jail time.
"Never has it been so important to find a way in some small way to be there for him like he has been for me," Ben said.
Neale Daniher asked all to play on, and they have. At Mernda Central College, teachers and staff took the plunge for the cause.
Lisa Burich lost her mum to MND. "I knew mum was with me as I was going down the slide. I'm actually petrified of water and I was like, no, she had MND for four years. This is the least I could do for her," Lisa said.
Students watched on as their teachers braved the cold water. "There were a few teachers who went down and I found it a bit more funnier than some. Like it was nice to see him get cold and wet," Merna Central College school captain Menarra Wanni-Thantridge said.
Both events brought comfort to the Danihers and inspiration to Ben. "It's the courage to be vulnerable, to face your fears and to stare into them together."
