By Brendan Rees and Russell Bennett
Scores of interested buyers gathered in Clyde North to put their bid on the stunning home on Saturday 2 March with all proceeds going towards Neale Daniher’s FightMND charity.
Henley joined forces with Brown Property Group to build the the four-bedroom, two-bathroom property in Newgrange Boulevard at Meridian Estate with the help of 200 local tradies – complete with guest furniture and a Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport in the driveway.
FightMND co-founder and AFL legend, Neale Daniher and his daughter Bec, were on hand to greet the crowds, soak up the auction and meet the new owners of the family home.
It was a fast paced and exciting auction with the Leopold family snapping up the house, land, furniture and car for $700,000.New owner, Roger Leopold said: “I am thrilled with the purchase of this stunning home and has always respected and admired Neale Daniher in what he is achieving with FightMND.”
Henley Site Manager, Greg Papanikolaou, whose father-in-law passed away from MND, said he had an emotional connection to the project.
“The generosity of trades and suppliers to jump at the chance to help out has been fantastic. We’re pretty chuffed,” he said.
“It’s tough to see (what Neale Daniher is going through) but what he’s doing is fantastic in raising so much awareness. It’s hard to see him in his battle, but it’s fantastic to see what we’re achieving today.”
Neale Daniher said the auction was a great result for FightMND: “It would not have been possible without Henley Properties, Brown Property Group and the volunteer trades and suppliers for donating so generously. Knowing that more funds are heading our way for vital research is simply marvellous.”
Fight MND chief executive Jamie Howden said he was amazed to see the amount of people get behind the auction.
“To think that all the proceeds are coming to fight MND – to enable us to continue our critical work in MND research, both here in Australia and globally – is amazing,” he said.
“From the Brown Property Group and Fraser Brown, and Henley Properties and (CEO) Tony Blackshaw, Guest Furniture and Bill Guest who supplied all the furniture for the house, and just all the trades and the suppliers – 200, all up, have given their time free of charge for this magnificent home.”
Mr Howden said the proceeds would go towards world leading clinical trials for MND which is a condition that progressively damages nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Henley chief executive Antony Blackshaw said his team was humbled and proud to be part of the project.
“Henley is committed to continue in joining forces with our trades and suppliers in creating a real difference in communities,” he said.
