Sunrise Radio - Official Site

Bhajans

Listen Live Sunrise Gold

Search

Former Bradford City player speaks out about battle against MND

Friday, 25 October 2019 16:00

Former Bradford City and Liverpool footballer Stephen Darby has spoken out about his ongoing battle with motor neuron disease.

The 31-year-old right back was forced to retire last year after being diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, announcing his retirement in September 2018, only 14 months after he joined Bolton Wanderers.

Following his diagnosis, he has set up the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, a charity which was officially launched at an event at Anfield yesterday.

Darby set up the foundation with close friend Chris Rimmer, a former soldier diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and who has since lost the use of his arms and legs.

Speaking on his battle, the former Red and Bantam said: “I had so many questions and the doctor didn’t give me answers.

“The medical professionals don’t give you any information. Coming away from that diagnosis was tough because you’re left on your own.

“For Rimmer to get in touch like that speaks volumes for him as a person.

“We both had the same mindset to try and be positive and help not just ourselves but everyone else going through it.”

The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation has raised close to £400,000 already, with Bradford’s sell-out pre-season friendly against Liverpool at Valley Parade in July brining in £275,000.

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.
Manningham Housing Association Shortlisted for Three National Awards

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.
Bradford University Staff to Strike Over Job Cuts

University of Bradford staff will strike for 10 days from 22 September in protest against planned redundancies, disrupting the start of the new academic year.
Bradford NHS Teams Shortlisted for National ‘Healthcare Oscars’

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.
Bradford Man Fined £20k for Planning Breach

A Bradford property owner has been ordered to pay over £20,000 after failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice for unauthorised works in a conservation area.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.