Sam Perkins: Former triathlete launches MND campaign

Sam Perkins hoped the Fifty50 campaign would raise £25,000 for research into motor neurone disease (MND)

A former triathlete has launched a campaign to highlight the short lifespan of people diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Sam Perkins, from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, was 37 when he was diagnosed with the condition in March 2019.

The campaign is called Fifty50, representing the 50% chance of dying in the first two years after diagnosis.

He aims to raise £25,000 for research into the condition.

Mr Perkins has raised nearly £200,000 for the cause already through his charity Stand Against MND.

This includes the donations he received for taking part in the London Marathon earlier in the year.

The Fifty50 campaign involves Mr Perkins recruiting 50 fundraisers - individuals or groups - to raise at least £500 each over the next 12 months.

If successful, it will boost the charity's total by £25,000.

Mr Perkins took part in multiple triathlons before being diagnosed with MND in 2019

Mr Perkins said: "I'm very realistic about what this disease does.

"I think that helps me cope with the changes.

"I've already sort of processed what's going to happen but I hope there continues to be a legacy as I continue my fight and one day when I'm not here anymore."

The campaign has been backed by Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall.

The footballer has struck a friendship with Mr Perkins, a club supporter, and has even signed up to be one of the 50 fundraisers.

Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall has agreed to be one of the Fifty50 fundraisers

Mr Worrall said: "When you see it first hand [MND] to someone that is so normal and so kind and nice it really does hammer it home.

"He text me and he said 'would you mind supporting us?' and I said 'yeah the lads will get involved with that'.

"We've signed ourselves up without actually knowing what we're doing but I'll do anything for that bloke because he's a good bloke."