Legendary Bradford City and Leeds Rhinos duo in big MND trip

The pair, alongside former West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Johnson, Nicola Waters and Emma Moss, leading figures in the campaigning coalition, delivered a letter signed by hundreds of people with MND to the Prime Minister's door.

But why now?

Well, research into the causes and potential treatments for MND has progressed, with current trials offering real promise. But this progress is largely dependent on sufficient levels of investment.

And research costs money. Currently funding for MND research from charities outstrips that from government. Without government support this vital progress is in danger of halting.

The United to End MND campaign has already had a positive reception, with Scottish rugby union legend Doddie Weir meeting then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock last year, and coalition members continuing to engage with ministers this year.

In July, the campaign was the subject of a debate in Parliament. On the same day, a Spending Review bid was handed in to Government. This is urging the Government to ring-fence £50 million over five years in the spending review, expected towards the end of the year from Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer at the Bradford City v Liverpool charity match in their honour at Valley Parade in 2019. Picture: Richard Leach.

£50 million from the Government over five years would fund a virtual institute for MND Research, providing the infrastructure needed for accelerating treatments for MND. It will bring together advances in both clinical and core science research.

The institute will make a real difference to MND research by focusing on world-leading drug discovery and development, developing a sustainable MND trials platform and implementing a rigorous clinical research programme.