Gloucester rugby player Ed Slater has sent an emotional message to fans just a day after it was confirmed he was retiring form the sport.
The England Saxons forward, who made almost 100 appearances for the Cherry and Whites after joining from Leicester in 2017, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The club announced the news in a statement on Thursday, concluding with: "Neither the Club nor the Slater family will be making any further comment at this time and kindly request that those wishes be respected."
However, on Friday Slater, 33, made a heartfelt post on Twitter. Thanking everyone for their support, he pledged to "fight with everything" despite also making a harrowing admission.
"I want to say Thank You to everyone for all your messages of support and generosity," he wrote. "It gives me and my family a huge amount of strength in a time of sadness for us.
"I will meet this challenge head on. Ultimately I can’t win but I will fight with everything. Hope is not lost."
Former players such as rugby league icon Rob Burrow, and Scotland and British Lions rugby union lock Doddie Weir are also suffering from the disease. Both have done huge amounts to raise awareness of the disease and, sure enough, Slater then went on to thank Weir and Scottish TV presenter Jill Douglas.
"I also want to add a thank you to @JillADouglas and @MNDoddie5 who have been a huge support. I’d also like to thank @mndassoc. Both are working to fight this disease for me and all my fellow battlers of MND as well as our loved ones."
Slater began his professional career with the Leicester Tigers and spent seven years at Welford Road, where he won the Premiership title in 2012-13 and played 136 times as well as captained the side over two seasons. His statement was met with support from all sections of the rugby community.
"Just the most heart-breaking news for such a beautiful family," replied Tom Turner, the Strength and Conditioning coach at Gloucester. "But knowing the strength of the man and seeing the support he has around him, he is already an inspiration to me in how he is facing this awful diagnosis."
"Thoughts are with you and your family big man!" said Sale Sharks player Jono Ross, while BT Sport rugby commentator Sam Roberts wrote: "Real courage is not scaring others. He’s making us feel less worried. What a human. With you, Slates, always."
On Thursday, Gloucester Rugby revealed that Slater had been subjected to months of testing, and had set-up a fundraising process to assist the family: "Following six months of testing, Ed’s diagnosis was confirmed last week and as a result, with the support of his family, friends and Gloucester Rugby, he has made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect," they said.
“Everyone at Gloucester Rugby - players, management and staff - are entirely committed to supporting Ed, his wife Jo and his three children in whatever way required. We know the same will be true of Gloucester and Leicester fans, and the wider rugby community.
“While Ed, his family and the Club take time to determine next steps, Gloucester Rugby have opened a JustGiving page. The direction of these funds will be determined in due course, whether it be supporting Ed and his family directly and/or a selected MND charity."
