Transport and logistics specialist insurer NTI says it has raised $3.5 million for motor neurone disease research since 2017, including $460,000 from its ninth annual truck raffle.

The latest raffle was drawn at the three-day NTI Townsville 500 motor racing event this month, where local couple Melita and Joe Raabe won Ruby, a restored 1947 Chevrolet Maple Leaf.

“This cause is close to our hearts at NTI,” CEO Janelle Greene said.

“We want to use our voice and the support of our industry to help find answers; 100% of funds raised go towards our official research grant to help bring us one step closer to better understanding MND and finding new treatments.”

Ms Greene says NTI truck raffles are a symbol of hope for people living with MND and their families.

The Raabes say they buy NTI raffle tickets every year because they want to support MND research.

“It’s such a worthwhile cause, and knowing the money is going towards research and helping families,” Ms Raabe said.

“Winning Ruby is incredible, but being able to contribute to something so important makes it even more special.”