Champion Compressors in Hallam will host a gala fund-raising evening on Saturday, 1 April, to help raise funds for their work colleague, Brian Halliday, who has motor neurone disease. Left to right: Janet Halliday, Cristel Reynolds, from Champion Compressors, and Mr Halliday.By Rebecca Fraser
A HALLAM company has rallied around a work colleague suffering from motor neurone disease.
On Saturday, 1 April, Champion Compressors will host a gala fund-raising evening for Brian Halliday, who has worked for the company for 12 years.
The Narre Warren South resident officially retired this week after it became too difficult to continue working without a carer.
Mr Halliday, 58, was diagnosed with the disease in August 2004 after experiencing leg cramps and lower back pain. He said both he and his wife of 37 years, Janet, had been deeply shocked by the diagnosis.
Motor neurone disease is a chronic disease of the nervous system in which the motor cells (neurons) degenerate. As the neurons control the muscles in a person’s body, the degeneration greatly affects an individual’s mobility, speech, ability to breathe, swallow and effectively function.
Mr Halliday said the disease had started in his legs but had slowly crept up to his arms. Mrs Halliday has gone on long-service leave as a canteen manager to care for her husband and they are currently building a new purpose-built home in Berwick where they will live with one of their three adult children.
The gala event will be held at The Grand International in Dandenong and the company hopes to raise at least $20,000 to help the Halliday family purchase a purpose-built vehicle with a wheelchair lift.
Cristel Reynolds, of Champion Compressors, is helping organise the event, and said Mr Halliday was very well respected and liked by his work colleagues and clients.
Mrs Reynolds said many businesses were supporting the fund-raising event and The Grand International had offered them a discounted price on the three-course meal and helped organise a live band, Envy, to perform.
Comedian Adam Palmer will MC the night and tickets are $75 each and include the meal, soft drink, beer and wine.
Mrs Reynolds said they had already sold 270 tickets and there are more available.
To make a donation or buy tickets, contact Cristel Reynolds on 9703-8056.She said many businesses were supporting the event, including Cranbourne Holden, ATCO Engineering (Bundoora), The Bed Shed (Southland), New Holland and Natra.
There will be numerous raffles during the evening with many great prizes on offer.
Mr Halliday said he had been overwhelmed by all of the support and was very grateful to Champion Compressors.
The company organised and paid for an electric wheelchair for Mr Halliday so he could remain at work for as long as possible.
Since his diagnosis, Mr Halliday said they had made friends with many local motor neurone disease sufferers.
He said they were extremely grateful for the support of Casey Health, the Bethlehem Hospital in Caulfield, the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria, and Peninsula Access Support and Training, who provided the couple with weekend breaks.
The Grand International (Ballroom) is located at 139-157 Thomas Street, Dandenong, and the evening runs from 7pm to 12am.
or email creynolds@champcom.com.au as soon as possible.
