In early 2017 Joanna Finlay’s husband Royce (pictured centre) was diagnosed with MND. For Royce’s 70th birthday in September, Joanna and Royce decided to have an afternoon tea party and, in lieu of presents, they would do something for MND NSW. Joanna and friends shared the details by word of mouth, hardly expecting a big response. “All we wanted was for people to support a good cause and we thought maybe we would raise $1,000 towards research.”
Imagine her reaction and Royce’s joy when friends travelled from Brisbane, Central Coast, Ballarat, Melbourne, Orange to attend, together with local friends and relatives from Cootamundra and surrounds. Royce had a very enjoyable 70th, which is especially poignant in hindsight because Royce died from MND in January 2018. Joanna and Royce were overwhelmed with the amazing response and support they received, with over $5,000 raised. It was a massive show of love, friendship and support from Cootamundra and beyond.