Firefighter takes icy plunge

Locals in the Dandenongs and surrounds came together with the hope of fundraising $50,000 for motor neurone disease (MND) research at an event which saw participants slide into a big pool of ice.  

Emerald Fire Brigade 3rd Lieutenant Chris May said he wanted to pull out all stops to support event organiser Matt Stickland who suffers from MND. 

"Matt and his wife Sarah wanted me to dress up as someone fun and inspirational for the event and I thought given my one-year-old is obsessed with the Wiggles, it would be fitting to go as the blue Wiggle," said Chris.  

"I then got in touch with Anthony Field, the original blue Wiggle on Instagram and explained what we were doing.   

"He got back to me and said he would send a skivvy straight down from Wiggles HQ in Sydney.  

“It played out as a nice surprise at the event which was supported by Clematis Fire Brigade and Emerald SES. 

"I arrived with my turnout gear on but then revealed my outfit for the organisers. They love the story behind it!” 

The Hills Big Freeze fundraiser took place on Sunday 2 June at the Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis.  

Twelve local identities including Jaidyn Stephenson from North Melbourne Football Club and Dylan Moore from the Hawthorn Football took part in the event to help raise awareness and funds to support FightMND.  

"This is about giving people who suffer from MND the best chance at life and hopefully finding a cure in the future,” Chris said.  

The event included raffles, silent auctions, food and drink and by the time the night set in more than $100,000 had been raised by the community for FightMND. 

If you would like to support Chris's fundraiser you can donate here.