It’s not like calling a redhead “Bluey” or a bald man “Curly”. The Bastard hits the nail on the head because motor neurone disease (MND) is just that.

It’s an horrific disease that robs sufferers of the ability to move, talk, swallow and breathe – with, at best, five years to live if diagnosed early.

During those years, family and friends will see their loved ones slowly wither within themselves. Minds still pin-sharp, their bodies slowly fail like some kind of horrendous, slow-moving nightmare.

What’s even more of a nightmare is research that shows the Riverina is a “hot spot” for MND: there is a disproportionate number of sufferers in this area.

That high number of sufferers is the reason some of Junee’s community braved the cold yesterday as they ventured to the Ex-Services Memorial Club for a fund-raising morning tea.

It’s wonderful that a town such as Junee can raise funds to fight this Bastard simply by sipping on hot cups of tea or devouring sweet cakes and dainty sandwiches.

While it’s a lovely chance for a cuppa and a catch-up, these residents just may have raised the dollars that can strike down MND for good.

It just goes to show, any of us can make a difference in life simply by having a community spirit and a want to help those less fortunate than ourselves.