Latest news with #MND
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Jeff McCloy tributes: 'We were Statler and Waldorf'
Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse."
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jeff McCloy, former Newcastle Lord Mayor and influential businessman, passes away at 75
Jeff McCloy , former Newcastle Lord Mayor and influential businessman, has passed away after battling with motor neurone disease (MND). He lost his battle with MND, which was diagnosed about 12 months ago, on Friday (June 27, 2025). He ended his life with voluntary assisted dying (VAD), according to ABC News. He only stood down as chair of the family business in January 2025 to focus on his health. Following McCloy's death, the City of Newcastle said in a statement that he will be remembered as a prominent business leader and icon of the Hunter's development and construction industries, whose life's work made a significant contribution to the city's growth and infrastructure. McCloy grew up in Belmont. He studied at the University of Newcastle (UoN), where he earned a degree in civil engineering. In the 1970s he joined the Belmont-based construction company DF McCloy, founded by his father, Don McCloy. Later he took over the reins of the company in the mid-80s. He served as Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Besides being a businessman, McCloy was also a renowned philanthropist who was dedicated to providing support to charitable organisations, education and welfare groups, medical research, and sports teams and clubs, while his passion for public art enriched communities across the region, according to NewCastle Weekly. He received the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009 for highly distinguished service to the city and community. During his two-year stint as Lord Mayor, he campaigned for the removal of the heavy rail line through the city centre and Newcastle's urban renewal. He was known for being an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the CBD, too. Live Events Ross Kerridge, current Lord Mayor, paid tribute to McCloy for his contribution. 'Jeff was one of the region's most successful businesspeople of recent years,' he said. 'His drive, his can-do attitude, and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success. A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction. His enthusiasm for his hometown was demonstrated by his widespread involvement in many community matters, including, notably, being the Lord Mayor,' he said. 'Less well-known is that he was a significant donor to various local charities and to public art and sculpture. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community,' he further stated.
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Corrie star reveals worrying future for Todd as Theo story escalates
Gareth Pierce has played troublemaker Todd Grimshaw since 2020. When the Coronation Street character returned, he was hellbent on splitting Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) up. The plan was complex and put a spotlight on the traits that certainly proved Todd didn't have the best moral compass. The narrative reached a dramatic conclusion, and Todd became isolated from the likes of Billy, Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) and Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) due to the depths he sunk to in the process. It's safe to say that this was the last storyline where Todd was really in the centre of the spotlight. During the pandemic, there was a period where Todd and Billy's friendship started to mend itself, and the character was also involved in drama at the funeral parlour alongside friend and colleague George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley). As a huge fan of the character, I found the lack of screentime for Todd somewhat frustrating in this period. In 2022, I wrote about how he had been put back on the bench so soon after the story with Billy and Paul, and it truly felt like the soap was missing an opportunity to have him at the centre of a really powerful plot exploring his mental health, and how the plan of his really impacted him. But, time has past and now, things are changing. Recently, I sat down with star Gareth Pierce to discuss Todd's journey in Weatherfield since he took over the role. We spoke about the many layers of Todd and the growth the character has had, but started with talking about the return five years ago. 'I guess at the start it was about establishing the recast. And also, I suppose what was harder for that at that time, was that you were seeing Todd kind of at his worst as well, where he was, you know, coming back very jealous, probably full of shame as well, in the ways that he's kind of let down Billy and Summer, in the way that he'd left and then just returned determined to split him and Paul. 'I think it was that initial kind of year and a half or so that was super, super busy. And then I suppose, in terms of the MND storyline, Todd was a little bit more peripheral than that. But then that was still to Todd's benefit, because I think you kind of ended up with some really sweet scenes and also, a sweet friendship between Paul and Todd, which obviously didn't look very likely in terms of the way they originally met.' It was earlier this year that saw a huge new storyline finally begin for Todd. He met a scaffolder called Theo, played by James Cartwright, and things really haven't been the same since. We've learnt since then that Theo is an incredibly complex person with a traumatic past. He had been living with wife Danielle (Natalie Anderson) and their children for many years, with Danielle previously having no clue that Theo is gay. His difficult upbringing was then explored, with Theo revealing that he had been put through conversion therapy. Theo often experiences angry and confusing outbursts as a result of a lot of things floating around his mind, and it's something Todd is trying to help him with. 'I think we have a more mature version of Todd now. I think going through losing a young friend like Paul, it's made him rehabilitate himself and prove he's changed. I think we definitely do have a more mature version of Todd that is maybe able to deal with what life throws at him, but we can't forget that not too long ago we had a Todd that felt a little bit like the boy that had never grown up. 'I think he might have a creeping feeling that this is too big for him and that he is out of his depth but also, I think he's changed to the point that he's more likely to see fault in himself than the other person, and be willing to try.' In tonight's episode, Theo will exude his jealousy when he finds out that Todd is spending time with James Bailey (Jason Callender). It is perhaps seen as something relatively small to Todd, given it's the start of a new relationship for him and Theo but to the audience, who are viewing Theo's behaviour from a different perspective to Todd, it's a sign that things may get worse. 'I think it's far more interesting if there's a part of Todd that is flattered by that flirtation [between him and James], that does potentially flirt back a bit', Gareth explained. 'I think that probably in terms of where he is with Theo in the relationship at that point, there is a sense that he can maybe see a slightly easier path that's there with James. 'I don't think that he's tempted to the point that he would do something. I think he pulls back from there, but I think that it's far more interesting…because we know Todd can make plenty of ill-advised choices, and do plenty of less or have plenty less appealing aspects to his character. So I think it's important that we hold on to those.' Opening up about the future of this story, Gareth told me: 'I think at this point, we're starting to spot some anger management issues on Theo's part, at the very least. There's some flashes of anger that have left Todd shocked but equally, because he's had that insight into the conversion therapy and where Theo is coming into this new life from, he's perhaps willing to guide him through it. 'He's trying to be understanding of Theo. He's been suppressing his sexuality for so long, Todd is trying to encourage him towards being someone that can be comfortable in their new gay identity. 'I think Todd has spotted many things from Theo, but he still has the mindset that he can fix this and because of the love that's there, he's thinking they will get through it. Our audience are probably also spotting some of those flashes of jealousy and perhaps a kind of need to control that maybe Todd is not currently spotting or doesn't want to spot.' Gareth went on to highlight that Todd will struggle to differentiate between what is out of order where Theo's behaviour is concerned, and what can be forgiven due to the life he's lived so far. 'I think that's definitely going to be a complicating factor going forward. He knows there are very valid reasons for Theo's confusion and probably some internalised homophobia, but that doesn't mean you can excuse all of the less healthy approaches to navigating the relationship. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'That will be, in many ways, Todd's biggest challenge, how to steer the relationship to somewhere healthy.' More Trending As this story begins to gather pace, Gareth also confirmed Todd's relationship with George will continue to be explored. 'What's nice is that they've got a very solid friendship, and George is like a father figure that Todd has never had. What's important I think is the intention of friendship hasn't weakened just because Eileen has gone. I definitely think that George will be someone that's still looking out for Todd.' 'A few years ago there was a moment where George connected with Todd because he believed in him. I think from George's perspective, he sees a little bit of himself in Todd. He shows faith in some moments. View More » 'I think there was a similar level of vulnerability from Todd there [in the scene earlier in the week]. He's really revealing quite a lot about his true feelings, which we know that he tends to deflect with sarcasm and sardonic looks a lot of the time.' MORE: All Coronation Street spoilers for next week as hospital drama is confirmed MORE: New Coronation Street love interest 'confirmed' for Todd Grimshaw as Theo gets jealous MORE: Huge Millie twist confirmed in Coronation Street early ITVX streaming release
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Vale Hunter icon Jeff McCloy 1949
Jeff McCloy left the world with a final piece of advice: "Enjoy your life, live with passion, don't be afraid, have a go and you will live a good life." The Hunter business legend died at 1pm on Friday after a 12-month battle with aggressive motor neurone disease (MND). He was 75. Surrounded by family and friends on the Gold Coast, Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying. In his final interview with the Newcastle Herald this week, Mr McCloy spoke of his love of the Hunter Region and its people. "I've had a great run, I really have," he said. "I am grateful to have shared my life with some wonderful people, but my body has deteriorated to the point where I have now reached the end." Even though his body was failing him, the former lord mayor had the future of Newcastle firmly on his mind. He spoke with passion about the state of Newcastle council, the plight of the city's small businesses and the art gallery redevelopment. Jeffrey Raymond McCloy was the second eldest of four boys. His early years in Belmont were spent fishing, surfing, and playing rugby league for Lakes United. The club recently honoured him with a life membership. Like thousands of other ambitious young people, he headed to the bright lights of Sydney after graduating from Newcastle University with a civil engineering degree. He found work with Sydney Water and then Lend Lease, where he worked on the MLC Centre. But by the mid-1970s, he was back home to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. He formally took the reins a decade later. In an interview with the Herald in January 2025, Mr McCloy said the construction of the John Hunter Hospital in the late 1980s was his proudest professional achievement. "It was a special project that was ordered very quickly," he said. "It was commercially very successful for us, largely because we ran it out of Newcastle with all Newcastle people." The McCloy Group diversified considerably in the 1990s and pivoted towards real estate investment and development with a focus on creating master planned communities. Mr McCloy's attention to detail, focus on family living and his passion for public art would lay the foundations of the company's success in the coming decades. "What has given me the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment is when you drive into one of these subdivisions and you see kids playing in the parks with their grandparents,"he said. "You see the houses and the people who live there building a community and supporting the local economy." Mr McCloy stood down as company chairman in January this year. It coincided with the relocation of the company's headquarters from Newcastle to Kurri. He may have made his name in property and development, but his interests and passions were far more diverse. In 2006, he embarked on designing and building a superyacht named Seafaris that was designed specifically for luxury charter on the Great Barrier Reef. The superyacht was built locally at Forgacs shipyard before it was moved to Cairns, the base for his luxury charter business. It took out the top prize in its class at the 2007 World Superyacht Awards in Venice. Jeff's other great passions were fishing and cooking. His fishing tales are the stuff of legend, and his culinary skills were equally admirable. Mr McCloy recently said the times he spent fishing with his brothers were some of his fondest memories. For all his success in business, it was giving back to the community that brought Mr McCloy genuine joy and satisfaction. Time after time, he supported organisations including the Salvation Army, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Sione Foundation, Jenny's Place, Build for a Cure (Billy's Lookout and The Bower) and Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Rather than focusing on himself as his condition deteriorated, Mr McCloy took an active interest in ensuring other MND sufferers were also receiving the care they deserved. In his final weeks, he donated $1 million to support Macquarie University's Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre. "I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said last week. In addition to that, he has also ensured tens of thousands of dollars worth of specialist care equipment will be distributed to those who need it. Leadership, courage, generosity, vision and a capacity to give an honest opinion are just some of the qualities that are associated with Jeff McCloy. In addition to being Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014, he was also the recipient of the Hunter Business Chamber's business person of the year award in 2008 and the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009. But he also accepted that no account of his life would be complete without reference to the infamous 2014 "ICAC bloodbath". It followed revelations that he had made $10,000 cash donations to Liberal Party candidates in the 2011 state election campaign. He told the Herald that he had been motivated by a desire to break the Labor Party's stranglehold on Newcastle's political landscape. "Newcastle had always been taken for granted by the Labor Party, whether it was the federal government, the state government or the councils. I wanted to make a change," Mr McCloy said. "I was never charged with anything because I never sought anything or attempted to seek anything. I donated to people I didn't even know." He expressed frustration that ICAC made so much of his donations to Liberal Party candidates, yet had no interest in his long history of contributing to the Labor Party. "In truth, if I look back over the history, I've been asked to donate and have donated more money to Labor than I ever did to the Liberals," he said. Mr McCloy was diagnosed with MND in June 2024, although he suspected that he had been experiencing symptoms for several years prior. Those close to him say he never complained about his lot, rather, he simply got on with life the best he could and accepted the disease's debilitating effects. He is survived by his five children, Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley and Blake and his eight grandchildren. His family has requested privacy. Instead of sending flowers, his family has requested donations be made to MND NSW, which provides information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease. Mr McCloy's life and legacy will be remembered at a memorial service at Newcastle City Hall in coming weeks. Jeff McCloy left the world with a final piece of advice: "Enjoy your life, live with passion, don't be afraid, have a go and you will live a good life." The Hunter business legend died at 1pm on Friday after a 12-month battle with aggressive motor neurone disease (MND). He was 75. Surrounded by family and friends on the Gold Coast, Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying. In his final interview with the Newcastle Herald this week, Mr McCloy spoke of his love of the Hunter Region and its people. "I've had a great run, I really have," he said. "I am grateful to have shared my life with some wonderful people, but my body has deteriorated to the point where I have now reached the end." Even though his body was failing him, the former lord mayor had the future of Newcastle firmly on his mind. He spoke with passion about the state of Newcastle council, the plight of the city's small businesses and the art gallery redevelopment. Jeffrey Raymond McCloy was the second eldest of four boys. His early years in Belmont were spent fishing, surfing, and playing rugby league for Lakes United. The club recently honoured him with a life membership. Like thousands of other ambitious young people, he headed to the bright lights of Sydney after graduating from Newcastle University with a civil engineering degree. He found work with Sydney Water and then Lend Lease, where he worked on the MLC Centre. But by the mid-1970s, he was back home to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. He formally took the reins a decade later. In an interview with the Herald in January 2025, Mr McCloy said the construction of the John Hunter Hospital in the late 1980s was his proudest professional achievement. "It was a special project that was ordered very quickly," he said. "It was commercially very successful for us, largely because we ran it out of Newcastle with all Newcastle people." The McCloy Group diversified considerably in the 1990s and pivoted towards real estate investment and development with a focus on creating master planned communities. Mr McCloy's attention to detail, focus on family living and his passion for public art would lay the foundations of the company's success in the coming decades. "What has given me the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment is when you drive into one of these subdivisions and you see kids playing in the parks with their grandparents,"he said. "You see the houses and the people who live there building a community and supporting the local economy." Mr McCloy stood down as company chairman in January this year. It coincided with the relocation of the company's headquarters from Newcastle to Kurri. He may have made his name in property and development, but his interests and passions were far more diverse. In 2006, he embarked on designing and building a superyacht named Seafaris that was designed specifically for luxury charter on the Great Barrier Reef. The superyacht was built locally at Forgacs shipyard before it was moved to Cairns, the base for his luxury charter business. It took out the top prize in its class at the 2007 World Superyacht Awards in Venice. Jeff's other great passions were fishing and cooking. His fishing tales are the stuff of legend, and his culinary skills were equally admirable. Mr McCloy recently said the times he spent fishing with his brothers were some of his fondest memories. For all his success in business, it was giving back to the community that brought Mr McCloy genuine joy and satisfaction. Time after time, he supported organisations including the Salvation Army, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Sione Foundation, Jenny's Place, Build for a Cure (Billy's Lookout and The Bower) and Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Rather than focusing on himself as his condition deteriorated, Mr McCloy took an active interest in ensuring other MND sufferers were also receiving the care they deserved. In his final weeks, he donated $1 million to support Macquarie University's Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre. "I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said last week. In addition to that, he has also ensured tens of thousands of dollars worth of specialist care equipment will be distributed to those who need it. Leadership, courage, generosity, vision and a capacity to give an honest opinion are just some of the qualities that are associated with Jeff McCloy. In addition to being Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014, he was also the recipient of the Hunter Business Chamber's business person of the year award in 2008 and the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009. But he also accepted that no account of his life would be complete without reference to the infamous 2014 "ICAC bloodbath". It followed revelations that he had made $10,000 cash donations to Liberal Party candidates in the 2011 state election campaign. He told the Herald that he had been motivated by a desire to break the Labor Party's stranglehold on Newcastle's political landscape. "Newcastle had always been taken for granted by the Labor Party, whether it was the federal government, the state government or the councils. I wanted to make a change," Mr McCloy said. "I was never charged with anything because I never sought anything or attempted to seek anything. I donated to people I didn't even know." He expressed frustration that ICAC made so much of his donations to Liberal Party candidates, yet had no interest in his long history of contributing to the Labor Party. "In truth, if I look back over the history, I've been asked to donate and have donated more money to Labor than I ever did to the Liberals," he said. Mr McCloy was diagnosed with MND in June 2024, although he suspected that he had been experiencing symptoms for several years prior. Those close to him say he never complained about his lot, rather, he simply got on with life the best he could and accepted the disease's debilitating effects. He is survived by his five children, Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley and Blake and his eight grandchildren. His family has requested privacy. Instead of sending flowers, his family has requested donations be made to MND NSW, which provides information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease. Mr McCloy's life and legacy will be remembered at a memorial service at Newcastle City Hall in coming weeks. Jeff McCloy left the world with a final piece of advice: "Enjoy your life, live with passion, don't be afraid, have a go and you will live a good life." The Hunter business legend died at 1pm on Friday after a 12-month battle with aggressive motor neurone disease (MND). He was 75. Surrounded by family and friends on the Gold Coast, Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying. In his final interview with the Newcastle Herald this week, Mr McCloy spoke of his love of the Hunter Region and its people. "I've had a great run, I really have," he said. "I am grateful to have shared my life with some wonderful people, but my body has deteriorated to the point where I have now reached the end." Even though his body was failing him, the former lord mayor had the future of Newcastle firmly on his mind. He spoke with passion about the state of Newcastle council, the plight of the city's small businesses and the art gallery redevelopment. Jeffrey Raymond McCloy was the second eldest of four boys. His early years in Belmont were spent fishing, surfing, and playing rugby league for Lakes United. The club recently honoured him with a life membership. Like thousands of other ambitious young people, he headed to the bright lights of Sydney after graduating from Newcastle University with a civil engineering degree. He found work with Sydney Water and then Lend Lease, where he worked on the MLC Centre. But by the mid-1970s, he was back home to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. He formally took the reins a decade later. In an interview with the Herald in January 2025, Mr McCloy said the construction of the John Hunter Hospital in the late 1980s was his proudest professional achievement. "It was a special project that was ordered very quickly," he said. "It was commercially very successful for us, largely because we ran it out of Newcastle with all Newcastle people." The McCloy Group diversified considerably in the 1990s and pivoted towards real estate investment and development with a focus on creating master planned communities. Mr McCloy's attention to detail, focus on family living and his passion for public art would lay the foundations of the company's success in the coming decades. "What has given me the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment is when you drive into one of these subdivisions and you see kids playing in the parks with their grandparents,"he said. "You see the houses and the people who live there building a community and supporting the local economy." Mr McCloy stood down as company chairman in January this year. It coincided with the relocation of the company's headquarters from Newcastle to Kurri. He may have made his name in property and development, but his interests and passions were far more diverse. In 2006, he embarked on designing and building a superyacht named Seafaris that was designed specifically for luxury charter on the Great Barrier Reef. The superyacht was built locally at Forgacs shipyard before it was moved to Cairns, the base for his luxury charter business. It took out the top prize in its class at the 2007 World Superyacht Awards in Venice. Jeff's other great passions were fishing and cooking. His fishing tales are the stuff of legend, and his culinary skills were equally admirable. Mr McCloy recently said the times he spent fishing with his brothers were some of his fondest memories. For all his success in business, it was giving back to the community that brought Mr McCloy genuine joy and satisfaction. Time after time, he supported organisations including the Salvation Army, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Sione Foundation, Jenny's Place, Build for a Cure (Billy's Lookout and The Bower) and Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Rather than focusing on himself as his condition deteriorated, Mr McCloy took an active interest in ensuring other MND sufferers were also receiving the care they deserved. In his final weeks, he donated $1 million to support Macquarie University's Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre. "I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said last week. In addition to that, he has also ensured tens of thousands of dollars worth of specialist care equipment will be distributed to those who need it. Leadership, courage, generosity, vision and a capacity to give an honest opinion are just some of the qualities that are associated with Jeff McCloy. In addition to being Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014, he was also the recipient of the Hunter Business Chamber's business person of the year award in 2008 and the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009. But he also accepted that no account of his life would be complete without reference to the infamous 2014 "ICAC bloodbath". It followed revelations that he had made $10,000 cash donations to Liberal Party candidates in the 2011 state election campaign. He told the Herald that he had been motivated by a desire to break the Labor Party's stranglehold on Newcastle's political landscape. "Newcastle had always been taken for granted by the Labor Party, whether it was the federal government, the state government or the councils. I wanted to make a change," Mr McCloy said. "I was never charged with anything because I never sought anything or attempted to seek anything. I donated to people I didn't even know." He expressed frustration that ICAC made so much of his donations to Liberal Party candidates, yet had no interest in his long history of contributing to the Labor Party. "In truth, if I look back over the history, I've been asked to donate and have donated more money to Labor than I ever did to the Liberals," he said. Mr McCloy was diagnosed with MND in June 2024, although he suspected that he had been experiencing symptoms for several years prior. Those close to him say he never complained about his lot, rather, he simply got on with life the best he could and accepted the disease's debilitating effects. He is survived by his five children, Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley and Blake and his eight grandchildren. His family has requested privacy. Instead of sending flowers, his family has requested donations be made to MND NSW, which provides information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease. Mr McCloy's life and legacy will be remembered at a memorial service at Newcastle City Hall in coming weeks. Jeff McCloy left the world with a final piece of advice: "Enjoy your life, live with passion, don't be afraid, have a go and you will live a good life." The Hunter business legend died at 1pm on Friday after a 12-month battle with aggressive motor neurone disease (MND). He was 75. Surrounded by family and friends on the Gold Coast, Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying. In his final interview with the Newcastle Herald this week, Mr McCloy spoke of his love of the Hunter Region and its people. "I've had a great run, I really have," he said. "I am grateful to have shared my life with some wonderful people, but my body has deteriorated to the point where I have now reached the end." Even though his body was failing him, the former lord mayor had the future of Newcastle firmly on his mind. He spoke with passion about the state of Newcastle council, the plight of the city's small businesses and the art gallery redevelopment. Jeffrey Raymond McCloy was the second eldest of four boys. His early years in Belmont were spent fishing, surfing, and playing rugby league for Lakes United. The club recently honoured him with a life membership. Like thousands of other ambitious young people, he headed to the bright lights of Sydney after graduating from Newcastle University with a civil engineering degree. He found work with Sydney Water and then Lend Lease, where he worked on the MLC Centre. But by the mid-1970s, he was back home to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. He formally took the reins a decade later. In an interview with the Herald in January 2025, Mr McCloy said the construction of the John Hunter Hospital in the late 1980s was his proudest professional achievement. "It was a special project that was ordered very quickly," he said. "It was commercially very successful for us, largely because we ran it out of Newcastle with all Newcastle people." The McCloy Group diversified considerably in the 1990s and pivoted towards real estate investment and development with a focus on creating master planned communities. Mr McCloy's attention to detail, focus on family living and his passion for public art would lay the foundations of the company's success in the coming decades. "What has given me the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment is when you drive into one of these subdivisions and you see kids playing in the parks with their grandparents,"he said. "You see the houses and the people who live there building a community and supporting the local economy." Mr McCloy stood down as company chairman in January this year. It coincided with the relocation of the company's headquarters from Newcastle to Kurri. He may have made his name in property and development, but his interests and passions were far more diverse. In 2006, he embarked on designing and building a superyacht named Seafaris that was designed specifically for luxury charter on the Great Barrier Reef. The superyacht was built locally at Forgacs shipyard before it was moved to Cairns, the base for his luxury charter business. It took out the top prize in its class at the 2007 World Superyacht Awards in Venice. Jeff's other great passions were fishing and cooking. His fishing tales are the stuff of legend, and his culinary skills were equally admirable. Mr McCloy recently said the times he spent fishing with his brothers were some of his fondest memories. For all his success in business, it was giving back to the community that brought Mr McCloy genuine joy and satisfaction. Time after time, he supported organisations including the Salvation Army, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Sione Foundation, Jenny's Place, Build for a Cure (Billy's Lookout and The Bower) and Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Rather than focusing on himself as his condition deteriorated, Mr McCloy took an active interest in ensuring other MND sufferers were also receiving the care they deserved. In his final weeks, he donated $1 million to support Macquarie University's Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre. "I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said last week. In addition to that, he has also ensured tens of thousands of dollars worth of specialist care equipment will be distributed to those who need it. Leadership, courage, generosity, vision and a capacity to give an honest opinion are just some of the qualities that are associated with Jeff McCloy. In addition to being Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014, he was also the recipient of the Hunter Business Chamber's business person of the year award in 2008 and the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009. But he also accepted that no account of his life would be complete without reference to the infamous 2014 "ICAC bloodbath". It followed revelations that he had made $10,000 cash donations to Liberal Party candidates in the 2011 state election campaign. He told the Herald that he had been motivated by a desire to break the Labor Party's stranglehold on Newcastle's political landscape. "Newcastle had always been taken for granted by the Labor Party, whether it was the federal government, the state government or the councils. I wanted to make a change," Mr McCloy said. "I was never charged with anything because I never sought anything or attempted to seek anything. I donated to people I didn't even know." He expressed frustration that ICAC made so much of his donations to Liberal Party candidates, yet had no interest in his long history of contributing to the Labor Party. "In truth, if I look back over the history, I've been asked to donate and have donated more money to Labor than I ever did to the Liberals," he said. Mr McCloy was diagnosed with MND in June 2024, although he suspected that he had been experiencing symptoms for several years prior. Those close to him say he never complained about his lot, rather, he simply got on with life the best he could and accepted the disease's debilitating effects. He is survived by his five children, Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley and Blake and his eight grandchildren. His family has requested privacy. Instead of sending flowers, his family has requested donations be made to MND NSW, which provides information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease. Mr McCloy's life and legacy will be remembered at a memorial service at Newcastle City Hall in coming weeks.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
How Graham is tackling life, one year after he was diagnosed with an incurable disease
A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now."
