Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Taking on the ice bucket challenge in winter—the thought of it sends shivers down your spine, doesn't it? Recently, I put on a brave face and took part in the second annual Carindale Cougars' ice bucket challenge to raise money to find a cure for motor neurone disease. Carindale Cougars have been touched by this disease, and it was heartbreaking to hear of one family's struggle with the loss of their father and patriarch just three months following his diagnosis. It's a tragic story. Unfortunately, medical experts are still scratching their heads as to what causes MND and there is currently no known cure. It is fatal and it can affect any one at any time.

Alongside coaches, officials, players and parents, I took my turn in the hot seat—or, more appropriately, the cold seat!—and braved the ice bucket challenge. Three ice-cold buckets later and it was done. But it was nothing compared to what families and victims of this horrible disease endure. Last year's challenge raised $4,700. This year, the Carindale Cougars bettered that number by $1,300, raising a whopping $6,000 for motor neurone disease research. Bring on the 2020 ice bucket challenge—maybe not three icy cold buckets next time, though; I'll just stick to the one!