The third Daniher’s Drive will depart from Melbourne on Thursday, stopping for lunch in Wangaratta, Corowa the following day and then onto Wagga before returning via Echuca and Ballarat.

Daniher, who has family in Wagga, said he was looking forward to the trip.

“We’re looking forward to going to Wagga because that’s our old stomping ground – the Danihers are from the Riverina and we have a big sportsman’s night happening there,” he said.

“We look forward to getting out in the country and sending our message of what Fight MND is about.

“Motor Neurone Disease can affect anyone; there’s a lot of people in the country affected by it, or they know someone who has it – it’s not all that well-known but with Fight MND we’re growing awareness.

“We’ve been able to fund three drug trials and with the funds of the Big Freeze this year, we’re looking to fund our fourth next year.

“We’re hopeful that a breakthrough will be coming soon.”

The event has grown from 52 cars in 2015 to 75 for the run up to Dinner Plain, and 100 cars are taking part this year, with an aim to raise $2 million for Fight MND.

Daniher urged supporters of the foundation to “stick with them” as “it may take a while to find a cure”.

“It’s a progressive disease and I’m not as good as I was six months ago, but I’m a lot better than I will be in another six months,” he said.

“I enjoy the trip and it’s about having fun – we welcome anyone in the community to come out and say hello.

“If people want to join us next year they can go to our website and register their interest.”

Daniher’s Drive is stopping at:

Tickets are still available for an Echuca comedy night with Dave Hughes on Friday – tickets can be bought at curemnd.org.au/danihersdrive.