STEPHEN Darby today released an emotional message to mark the fifth anniversary of being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The former City defender admitted that daily tasks are becoming tougher - but the effort is a “privilege” because it means he is still able to do them.

Writing on the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation website, Darby said: “To put this into perspective, 80-90 per cent of people who are diagnosed with MND die within five years.

“A third of people who are diagnosed die within a year and half of people diagnosed die within two years.

“I count myself one of the lucky ones.

“Daily tasks are tougher, some tasks require help and some require more effort but I feel that effort is a privilege.

“It’s a privilege because although it’s harder, it means I’m still able to do it.”

Tributes flooded in when Darby was diagnosed in September 2018 while playing for Bolton.

Darby and friend Chris Rimmer, a former soldier, launched the foundation in 2019 to raise awareness of the deadly disease, offer support for those suffering and raise funds towards research into finding a possible cure.

Rimmer sadly passed away in April 2022.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer before City played Liverpool in a friendly at Valley Parade in aid of their foundation in July 2019Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer before City played Liverpool in a friendly at Valley Parade in aid of their foundation in July 2019 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

There have been numerous events to support the foundation. Most recently, a team of City staff members walked to the game at Rochdale at the end of last season and raised over £18,000.

“I have met some incredible people in the last five years,” added Darby, who played 239 times for City between 2012 and 2017. “The MND community is a special group.

“It’s not a group any of us want to be part of but the strength and fight that people and families show on a daily basis is inspiring.

 

 

“Myself and the foundation will always do everything we can to help make a positive impact on MND.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of the journey over the last five years.

“Your support, kindness and generosity has helped us make a positive impact on those who are battling MND and that support will continue to help us make a difference.

“The fight goes on.”

You can donate to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation by clicking here.