Motor Neurone Disease (MND) researchers have received $200,000 after NTI auctioned a restored 1946 Ford “Jail Bar” truck, with the support of the Australian Trucking Association.

More than $87,000 was raised at the auction and NTI added another $113,000 to support researchers as they to continue exploring ways to treat the disease.

The restored Jail Bar was the third truck NTI had restored since 2016 to fundraise for MND research, undertaken with the help of transport industry partners. (The Jail Bar nickname refers to the truck’s iconic radiator grille.)

NTI has raised almost $534,000 in four years for MND research. CEO Tony Clark says the team is committed to supporting MND research in honour of former CEO the late Wayne Patterson, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015 and died three years later.

“NTI will continue its support of this incredibly worthy cause and has plans to restore another truck in 2021,” Mr Clark said. “This research grant is about supporting research but also promoting awareness of MND, of which two Australians are diagnosed every day.”

NTI’s donation will fund two research grants for Dr Shu Ngo and Dr Adam Walker at The University of Queensland. Using mini-3D spinal cords generated from MND patient skin cells, Dr Ngo’s team will study how neurons and their support cells interact over time.

There are currently more than 2100 Australians living with MND.