Former footballer Len Jonrose dies at 52 after MND fight

Former soccer player Len Jonrose, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2017, has died at the age of 52, his charity said.

John Rose, who played six years for Bury from 1993 to 1999 and also played for Blackburn, Hartlepool, Burnley and Swansea, was diagnosed and helped raise funds for the MND Association to ensure player safety. We ran a campaign to raise it.

Also, after finding in the 2019 FIELD Study that soccer players had a four-fold higher risk of developing MND compared to the general population, he worked on Project 92 to raise awareness of the condition among current players. I tried

John Rose told PA news agency in November 2020: We really need to get that message out there. ”

The Len Jon Rose Trust tweeted on Monday.

“Len was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

A person has a 1 in 300 risk of developing MND in their lifetime. There is still no clear answer as to what causes it, and no cure.

Surviving wife Nadine and their children Chanel, Elizabeth and Patrick, John Rose helped launch the #IceFoot92 challenge last year to raise money for the MND Association.

He told the PA in October 2019 that he was “disgusted” that there were no heading restrictions in children’s football, saying the sport’s authorities were “putting people’s lives at risk”. rice field.

Guidance has since been introduced advising the avoidance of all headings in football training for under-11s, but this season the FA has decided to eliminate headings entirely in some under-12s competitions. try

John Rose’s former clubs Blackburn, Burnley and Hartlepool have extended their condolences to his friends and family, as have Swansea.

John Rose scored the third goal in a 4–2 win over Hull in May 2003, securing the Swans’ league status.

The MND Association issued a statement to PA on Monday afternoon in honor of John Rose.

“Len lived with this brutal illness in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis in the summer of 2018. spent,” the statement said.

“Len’s charming smile, sense of humor, pragmatic approach to life, and determination to do all he can for people with MND have made him a very popular figure within the MND community. He will be very lonely.

“I would like to extend my condolences to Ren’s wife Nadine, his three children Chanel, Elizabeth and Patrick, his family and friends, and thank them for their unwavering support.”

Chris James, director of public relations for the association, added:

“Len has assisted us in almost all areas of our work, responded positively to all requests and invitations and has time to assist both nationally and locally as a patron of the Central and East Lancashire Support Groups. gave me

“We are extremely grateful to him and his family for their help over the years and will continue to support Ren’s family as they deal with this very sad news. .”

The Professional Footballers’ Association tweeted, “Heartbreaking news. Lenny was a true gentleman and an incredibly popular character in football. He will be sadly missed.

“Everyone at PFA’s thoughts are with Ren’s family and friends.”