Celebrities slip and slide in first Big Freeze event since Neale Daniher's death

By Melissa Brown

Channel 7 host Sam Mac takes part in the Big Freeze at the 'G — the first of the FightMND charity's key fundraisers since the death of its founder and AFL legend Neale Daniher. (AAP: James Ross)

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The MCG has hosted the first Big Freeze event since the death of AFL legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner, Neale Daniher.

It was a sea of ice blue around the ground as tens of thousands of beanie-clad footy fans cheered on a host of celebrities as they hurtled down a slide into a chilly pool for the 12th Big Freeze at the 'G.

FightMND says it's been a record breaking day of fundraising for the charity. (Supplied: Fight MND/Fiona Hamilton)

The annual event is the signature fundraiser for the FightMND charity set up by Daniher after his diagnosis 13 years ago.

Last year's Big Freeze slide and beanie fundraiser raised almost $23 million.

Neale Daniher's family at the MCG for the Big Freeze fundraiser. (Supplied: FightMND/Fiona Hamilton)

The first to take the plunge was radio and television identity-turned author Andy Lee, dressed as a character from one of his children's books.

"Absolute regrets for the outfit, I'm still a bit full underneath," he said to waiting TV cameras as he tried to empty trapped icy water from his costume.

"I was asked about six or seven weeks ago. I love Neale ... obviously the events over the past couple of weeks have made it even more special.

Celebrity Andy Lee says he felt honoured to take part in the fundraiser for Neale Daniher's charity. (AAP: James Ross)

Television presenter Sam Mac was doggedly determined to make a splash at this year's event.

He said he dressed as children's television character Bluey in an effort to impress his daughters, but his efforts meant he spent far longer in the freezing pool than his fellow sliders, needing help from bystanders to exit the icy waters.

"I was definitely submerged for a few seconds there, there were a lot of kids that were nervous about what happened to Bluey," Mac laughed.

He said Daniher's fight had been inspiring for his uncle who had MND and was watching on at the MCG.

Former Melbourne Demons player Nathan Jones was dressed as Australian music producer DJ Fisher. (AAP: James Ross)

Jones said he hoped the antics and colourful costumes of his fellow sliders would bring some much-needed joy after a tough fortnight.

"I reckon the best thing everyone can do — the community, the AFL world, everyone that believes in this cause — is double down on the message that Neale has fought so hard for over the last 12 or 13 years," he said.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn was asked personally by Neale Daniher to take part. (AAP: James Ross)

Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn paid tribute to Daniher through her costume — donning an Essendon jumper and a Demons cap as she took the plunge.

"Neale Daniher shows the very best of us as Australians, so I wanted to show and play on just like Neale expects of all of us."