MND Research Given Major Boost Thanks To Record Truck Fundraiser

Australian research into Motor Neurone Disease has been given a major boost with almost $600,000 raised through the raffle of a restored 1950s Chevrolet truck, lovingly named ‘Daphne’.

Over the last four months tickets were in high demand for the lava-orange Chevvy, with the raffle drawn at the NTI Supercars round in Townsville (7-9 July). Amongst over thirty thousand names, Queenslander Peter Rodney, was the lucky winner. 

The restoration project will see an incredible $580,000 go towards MND research, bringing the total raised by Australia’s largest specialist insurer, NTI, to more than $2 million over the last six years.

NTI CEO Tony Clark said Daphne was the sixth truck to be restored and raffled by the organisation, with 100 percent of funds raised given to support MND research in Australia. 

“Daphne has set a new record for the most funds raised of any of our restored vehicles, and we’re thrilled so many people have supported this important cause,” Mr Clark said.

“The MND cause is one very close to our hearts. Our former CEO, Wayne Patterson, lost his battle with the disease in 2018 and we are committed to supporting research to help find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for MND. 

“Having Daphne’s raffle take place at the NTI Supercars round was fitting, with the project made possible by generous donations from Matt Stone Racing and Chevrolet Performance Parts.”

Matt Stone said he was thrilled to be involved in the Daphne project.

“It got a lot of love from the punters on the track in Townsville, and it was really good to see all the hard work and commitment from everyone involved coming out in a successful end result,” Mr Stone said.

“Having such a big engine, usually reserved for sports cars, in what’s traditionally a workhorse truck makes Daphne unique.” 

And of the fundraising record achieved, Mr Stone said: “We always like when records are broken, especially when it’s for such a good cause. It’s fantastic that it’s been so well received.”

General Marketing Manager for GM Australia and New Zealand, Chris Payne, said they were excited to have teamed up with NTI and Matt Stone Racing on a vehicle for a fantastic cause.

“This project truck is a really special prize which helps bring attention to MND research,” Mr Payne said.

“The whole team has done a fantastic job on this one-off truck, and the lucky winner will no doubt be very happy!”

Find out more about Daphne and our previous truck restorations for MND research.