Australian motor neurone disease research given $2.8m government funding boost

The federal government has granted the Cure for MND foundation $2.8 million to fast-track access to clinical trials for those suffering from motor neurone disease.

Vice-chairman of Cure for MND Neale Daniher told 9NEWS the funding will go a long way to giving sufferers much needed hope.

“We're trying to find hope for Australians with MND where there has been no hope… it’s quite exciting,” Mr Daniher said.

The former AFL player was diagnosed with MND in 2013, and has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the paralyzing illness, garnering a Melbournian of the Year Award and Member of the Order of Australia for his efforts.

Health minister Sussan Ley said she felt “encouraged” by the swift delivery of the grant.

“You cannot but be enthused, encouraged and captured by this sense of urgency,” Ms Ley said.

Cure for MND aims to raise $40 million in the next four years to expedite clinical trials for some 2000 Australian sufferers of the disease.

The foundation was behind the “Big Freeze at the G” in June, which saw some of the nation’s most recognizable faces plunge into icy water at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Nearly $3 million was raised from the event.