Worcester mum aiming to raise more awareness of MND through charity football match
The game is taking place today in Worcester and has been helped set-up by Stacy Bozward who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last summer
A Worcestershire mum who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has said she hopes to raise more awareness around what MND is through events such as a celebrity charity football match taking place today (27 June).
38-year-old Stacy Bozward was diagnosed last summer, with her and husband Barry dating some of her initial symptoms back to July 2024, which consisted of things such as a sore neck and her not being able to lift her arms above her head.
The mum-of-two, who is a former footballer herself having played since she was eight-years-old and having represented teams such as West Bromwich Albion, has already held a previous charity football game at Areley Kings Football Club, which featured former teammates and managers and raised £1,013 for MND charities.
This latest one, named Kick for a Cure, is being held at Sixways Stadium, the home of Worcester Warriors and Worcester FC, and is fundraising for both the MND Association (MNDA) and Matt Gallagher Foundation.
"It’s mainly about raising awareness, so many people now are being diagnosed, more and more young people," Stacy said.
"More needs to be done to fund the research, because nobody should have to live like this.
"So this is what that match is for, to raise awareness, to raise funds, and to have a brilliant day."
There is currently no known cure for MND, which causes muscle weakness, but the NHS say treatment can help manage symptoms.
Stacy said it's important the work continues to highlight the impact it has on people and families, while also finding a cure.
"It affects so many people, it’s devastating," she said.
"Some people don't even know what MND is, which is shocking really.
"So more research needs to be done to find a cure, it just needs to be done."
Celebrities such as Calum Best are set to take to the pitch, with the game getting underway at 3pm.