CITY have paid tribute following the death of the former soldier who helped set up the MND charity with Stephen Darby.

Chris Rimmer passed away yesterday following his battle with the deadly motor neurone disease.

A message on the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation twitter feed read: “It is with deep, deep sadness we bring you the devastating news that on Monday 18th April, our co-founder @chrisrimmerMND sadly passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease.”

City tweeted a reply: “Truly devastating news. The thoughts of everyone at Bradford City AFC are with the loved ones of @DarbyRimmerMND co-founder, Chris Rimmer. Rest in peace.”

Former Bantams defender Darby and forces veteran Rimmer, a close friend, set up the foundation to create awareness of MND, fund research into the illness in the hope of finding a cure and offer grants to those suffering from it.

The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation began in 2019 - the same year that 24,343 fans packed Valley Parade to see a fund-raising friendly between City and Liverpool.