Former Bury player Len Johnrose has tragically died following a battle with a motor neurone disease (MND).
The former footballer had a six-year spell with Bury between 1993 and 1999. He also played for Blackburn, Hartlepool, Burnley and Swansea while also helping to raise funds for the MND Association following his diagnosis in 2018.
After announcing his diagnosis, he sought to raise awareness of the condition among players through his Project 92 campaign. He got the idea after the 2019 FIELD study identified a four-fold increased risk of developing MND among footballers compared to the general population.
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In 2020, Johnrose told the PA news agency: "That (increased risk) should cause massive shockwaves, but it’s barely caused a ripple. We really need to get that message out there.”
The Len Johnrose Trust tweeted: "We are heartbroken to tell you that our leader, Len Johnrose, passed away this morning. Len was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
While it is still not clear what causes MND with no cure available, there is a one in 300 risk of a person developing MND in their lifetime. Johnrose launched the #IceFoot92 challenge last year to raise funds for the MND Association, where participants were challenged to immerse their feet in icy water for 92 seconds.
Since then, guidance has been introduced to help avoid any headin in under-11s football training. Meanwhile, the Football Association will trial the complete removal of heading in selected under-12s competitions this season.
The MND issued a statement paying tribute to Johnrose, it said: "Len lived with this brutal disease in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis in the summer of 2018. Following that he selflessly dedicated huge amounts of time to raising awareness,” the statement said.
“Len’s infectious smile, sense of humour, pragmatic approach to life and determination to do everything he could to work on behalf of people with MND made him a very popular figure within the MND community. He will be sorely missed.
"We would like to pass our sympathies to Len’s wife Nadine, his three children Chanel, Elizabeth and Patrick, his family and friends, and also our gratitude for their unwavering support.”
The association’s director of external affairs Chris James added: “I clearly remember the summer of 2018, when Len Johnrose first spoke about being diagnosed with motor neurone disease and his story immediately gained national TV coverage and newspaper headlines.
“Len helped us in almost every area of our work, responding positively to every request and invitation, and giving his time to help both nationally and locally as a patron of the Central and East Lancashire Support Group.
“We are incredibly grateful to him and his family for all their help over the years, and we will continue to support Len’s family as they deal with this very sad news.”
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