Family’s $20,000 charity target reaches over $187,000

A Mt Barker family’s fervent fundraising efforts to help find a cure for a terminal neurological disease wrapped up this week with a record donation to charity.

Greg, Julie, Sophie and Jasmine Hambley rallied around relative Jim Gilbert after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July, 2014, and began fundraising in May last year.

People with MND lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe.

There is no known effective treatment or cure, and life expectancy after diagnosis is two-and-a-half years, according to MND Australia.

The Hambley’s target was $20,000 but strong community spirit resulted in $187,594 donated to the MND Association of WA on Monday.

Jasmine Hambley said Mr Gilbert and the family were overwhelmed by the figure.

“We thought we were pushing the limit with $20,000 so to hit $187,000 is absolutely insane,” she said.

“It exceeded all our expectations.

“MNDWA usually make $120,000 in a year so we did that ourselves in one campaign.

“The Mt Barker community are pretty amazing.”

Ms Hambley said the campaign’s most emotional moment was a 20km virtual Rottnest Island Swim at the Mt Barker pool in February.

“Jim rode in his wheelchair alongside Dad and Soph for the final two laps,” she said.

“We were all very emotional afterwards.”

MNDAWA chief executive Maeve Egan said the charity was very grateful for the funds, which would go towards research and equipment loans.

“This is a record amount to be fundraised in the community this year and one of our largest community fundraisers to date,” she said.

This week is Motor Neurone Disease week, which aims to raise awareness of the disease.