12 February 2020 Celebrity
Awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) has been given a welcome boost following an interview with sporting legends Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby on BBC Breakfast.
Doddie (Scottish rugby union legend), Rob (rugby league Leeds Rhinos hero) and Stephen (former Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers & Bradford City footballer) chose to speak out about their experiences of living with MND to increase understanding about the disease and to encourage research into causes, treatments and potentially a cure for the disease.
The three were interviewed by BBC journalist Sally Nugent with the results being aired extensively on BBC1 during BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, on BBC radio stations and online. A number of media outlets also shared the story.
The MND Association were invited to be involved in the studio discussion following transmission of the interview. Director of External Affairs Chris James was joined on the sofa by Darren Buckley who is living with MND and his mum Georgina. Georgina’s moving account of helping to care for her son touched viewers who took to Twitter and Facebook to share their support.
Find out more: The Telegraph - Exclusive interview with Doddie Weir, Stephen and Rob