The end of every courageous battle against motor neurone disease remains unsuccessful, but the disease is never able to define those who suffer from it.
As the annual Big Freeze at the ‘G event co-founded by former Melbourne Football Club legend Neale Daniher prepares for its tenth iteration on June 10, that still rings true.
Despite former talented soccer player and Frankston Dolphins staff member Chris Ross passing away from the disease in August of last year, his mother Karen spoke in admiration of her son’s determination and ability to inspire others despite his situation.
“I’m immensely proud – that does not even go near.”
“To be so strong, and as we all know, determined, he was determined to keep going.
I don’t think I know anyone else quite like that, for him to be doing that, just so, so, so proud.”
Former Dolphins captain Josh Newman continues to echo the sentiment around Chris Ross whenever asked to describe him.
The pair formed a special partnership at Frankston as captain and High Performance Manager, getting the best out of one another whether a Sherrin was in sight or not.
“I think the first thing that comes to mind for me was, you know, selfless,” Newman said.
“He would do anything to help others, I remember before he left Frankston once we found out what was going on, he was everywhere doing everything cause he just wanted to better himself [and] better others.”
Newman and Josh Webster, one of Chris Ross’ closest friends before and during his fight with MND, founded Run4Rossy during a Coronavirus lockdown, and while the Dolphins could not then come together on the pitch, their unity was on show off it.
As the team lifted for him, ‘Rossy’ too found another level, cycling, with Webster, his great mate, running alongside him.
“We wanted to do something all year and we’re trying to work out how best to do that,” recounted Webster.
“We always thought it was going to be here, here at Frankston, the season was cancelled, so we’re just trying to figure out what’s the next best way.
“I pretty much said to ‘Newy’, like, I’m thinking of going for a run, and ”Newy’ straight off the bat was like, ‘well, why can’t we all,’ and from that Run4Rossy was born.
“It very quickly spread to, let’s just do it in our own backyards, try and nominate other people, and in the end, we didn’t have to do any nominating.”
The event has seen immense success in raising money for a potential cure, the third instalment reaching its donation goal of $120,000 in October last year.
Run4Rossy falls under the Beat The Beast banner, a charity Ross created shortly after his diagnosis. With a long-term aim of raising $1 million, the amount raised is currently over $300,000.
Webster is hopeful these funds can help accelerate the process of finding a cure for motor neurone disease, with Run4Rossy to continue in Ross’ absence.
“I think it’s beautiful, it gives people a great ability to strive for hope.
“These funds raised are going to go a long way to finding that cure and, I think it’s just that whole community spirit that people together can do and the hope that they can provide to anyone that is living with MND.
“It’s been awesome.”
The fourth edition of Run4Rossy will take place in October 2024.
To donate, or to learn more about Chris Ross’ story, go to the Beat The Beast website via the link.
