Former Footballers Embark On A Fundraising Walk To Battle MND

In an inspiring display of solidarity and determination, former footballers Marcus Stewart and Stephen Darby have embarked on a monumental journey to combat motor neurone disease (MND). The duo, along with a core team of 16 ex-players, initiated the "March of the Day" trek, a challenging journey spanning over 175 miles, aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. This significant event commenced today at the University of Bradford Stadium and will cover 17 football grounds across West Yorkshire and the north-west, concluding at Anfield on Sunday evening.

The route includes iconic stadiums such as Elland Road, the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford, and Goodison Park. Participants will don blue T-shirts in honour of Stewart for the initial leg to Bolton, switching to red T-shirts bearing Darby's name for the remainder of the march. Stewart, whose career highlights include stints at Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield, Ipswich, and Sunderland, was diagnosed with MND in September 2022. Darby, a former defender for Bradford, Bolton, and Liverpool, received his diagnosis in 2018.

The fundraising walk has garnered significant support from the football community, with over 50 former players joining the cause. Notables such as Chris Kirkland, Paul Scholes, Dominic Matteo, Jill Scott, and Phil Parkinson – Darby's former manager at Bradford – are among those rallying behind the foundation. This event is part of a broader movement within the sports world to raise awareness for MND, highlighted by former rugby league player Kevin Sinfield's remarkable "7 in 7 in 7" challenge. Sinfield's effort involved running seven ultra-marathons in seven days across seven cities, raising over £630,000 in December. His campaign was inspired by Rob Burrow, a former Leeds Rhinos teammate diagnosed with MND in 2019.

The March of the Day trek not only serves as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie within the sports community but also shines a light on the urgent need for awareness and research into motor neurone disease. As Stewart and Darby lead their team through this gruelling journey, their efforts underscore the critical importance of supporting those affected by MND and the ongoing quest for a cure.