Former Rugby Player with MND Joins Kevin Sinfield’s Charity Run

A former rugby player from Bromsgrove, who lives with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has commended Kevin Sinfield for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for charities dedicated to the condition. Mr. Sinfield, an ex-rugby league legend and England coach, completed a 37-mile (60km) run on Monday, traveling between Gloucester and Bristol. Scott Morris joined him for the second segment of his 230-mile (370km) “Running Home for Christmas” challenge. Mr. Morris, who played for the amateur side Bromsgrove Rugby Club, was diagnosed with MND in 2023 at the age of 43, after initially noticing arm twitches that progressively worsened. He recounted, “I was trying to push myself up into the loft at home, and my right arm just kept giving way, it was only then the alarm bells started to ring.” The father-of-three has since experienced a loss of mobility in his limbs and now communicates using text-to-speech software – a profound life change he admits he is still processing. “It took a while to process the diagnosis, and I was understandably devastated and it is a very harsh reality you have to get used to very quickly,” he stated. He added, “My family and friends were also devastated by the news, but they all rallied around me, and we put all our energy into fundraising and living in the moment.” This incurable condition affects the brain and nerves and is more commonly observed in individuals in their 60s and 70s. Throughout the week, Mr. Sinfield is running in tribute to his former team-mate Rob Burrow, with the aim of raising funds for six MND charities. Mr. Morris commented, “It is a horrific condition, it is so underfunded and I fear that without the amazing work Kevin and others are putting in, the people suffering would be in a much worse way than they already are.” Natalie Morris expressed her pride in her husband for not allowing his condition to restrict his ambition to also raise money for charity. She remarked, “It’s a really proud moment, and just another example of how Scott just doesn’t let things stop him, and that he’s been determined to do it.”