Throughout his professional career, Marcus Stewart played in over 500 soccer games, scored more than 250 goals, and played at clubs including Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Bristol City, Exeter City, and Huddersfield Town, among others. The accomplished footballer, now 50 years old, has recently been facing a new challenge: his motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis. 

According to reporting from ITV News, Stewart was officially diagnosed with MND in September 2022. He pursued a diagnosis after a number of troubling health issues emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown. Stewart began struggling with grip strength, unable to hold the bar firmly while performing pull-ups. His muscle mass was also reduced in his left arm even though that was his dominant arm. 

Luckily, shares Stewart, his condition has been progressing fairly slowly. While he still struggles with writing and actions like zipping up his coat, he is overall doing well. It was difficult coming to terms with his diagnosis. But now, Stewart hopes to raise MND awareness on a greater scale. And, if possible, he hopes to once again return to work in football in a coaching capacity. 

One of the ways that Stewart and his family are working to raise awareness is through fundraising for research. Advances in research could greatly contribute to the development of new therapies, a deeper understanding of the disease, and even a potential cure. If you’d like to donate to the Stewarts’ fundraiser for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, you may donate here. 

What is Motor Neuron Disease (MND)? 

Some people refer to motor neuron disease (MND) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) interchangeably. The two are related, though not the same; ALS is the most common subtype of MND. Other forms of MND include primary bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, and Kennedy’s disease. What all of these conditions share is the degeneration and death of motor neurons. As these nerve cells within the nervous system become damaged, the muscles become weakened, making it more difficult to walk, speak, grip, swallow, breathe, and more. 

Although MND can affect people of all ages, it is more common in those aged 50+. Doctors are not exactly sure of the cause of motor neuron disease, though it can be traced to genetic causes in around 20% of cases. 

Symptoms and characteristics of motor neuron disease can, but do not always, include:

• Slurred speech
• Leg or ankle weakness that contributes to frequent tripping and difficulty walking, climbing, or running
• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
• Behavioral changes, such as inappropriate laughing or crying
• Sleep disruptions
• Poor grip
• Unintended weight loss
• Difficulty lifting or holding objects
• Muscle cramping or twitching
• Difficulty swallowing and excessive drooling
• Excessive yawning
• Progressive muscle weakness and wasting 

There are no cures for motor neuron disease. Treatments typically focus on symptom management. MND care is multidisciplinary, consisting of occupational, speech, and language therapists, respiratory specialists, neurologists, and dieticians (among others).