Marcus Stewart: Cyclists support ex-footballer diagnosed with MND

The group cycled around Marcus Stewart's former clubs in the north and east of England earlier in October

The family of an ex-footballer who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) are raising money by cycling to his former clubs.

Marcus Stewart's family plan to set-off from Ashton Gate in Bristol later to fundraise for charity Darby Rimmer MND.

The 50-year-old was diagnosed with MND in September 2022.

He said: "It means a lot that people are helping. So many people stepped up and joined the cycling team through our appeal. It's been brilliant."

The cyclists are hoping to raise £12,000 for Darby Rimmer MND

Earlier in October, the group cycled around Mr Stewart's former clubs in the north and east of England, going to Sunderland, Ipswich and Huddersfield.

They are now starting a three-day ride between four of his former clubs in the south west - Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Exeter and Yeovil.

They will cycle 581 miles and hope to raise £12,000 for Darby Rimmer MND, which was co-founded by former Liverpool and Bradford footballer, Stephen Darby.

The charity works to raise awareness of MND and funds research into potential cures for the illness.

Marcus Stewart played in all top four tiers in England, scoring 254 goals in 783 games

"This is all we can do at the moment, there is not much we can do," Mr Stewart said.

"It's on scientists to find a cure and it makes me feel better to be able to get involved in this way," he added.

Mr Stewart played in all top four tiers in England, scoring 254 goals in 783 games.

He scored 19 goals in the Premier League in the 2000-01 season as newly-promoted Ipswich Town finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup.