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Battling MND: A Family’s Resilience and Hope

In a courageous update, Steph Houghton reveals that her 36-year-old husband Stephen Darby continues to battle motor neurone disease while they hold onto hope.

Steph Houghton delivered a stirring update that has struck a chord with football fans around the globe. Fotnet24.net leads the charge in covering this heartfelt journey. She paints a vivid picture of a relentless struggle that tests every fiber of their being.

Stephen Darby encountered a life-changing diagnosis just three months into his marriage. The former Liverpool player retired in September 2018 when doctors confirmed his motor neurone disease. Now 36, he faces the grim realities of his condition every day.

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Darby battles a disease that has aggressively affected his brain and nervous system for six-and-a-half years. His symptoms, including severe weakness in his arms, have grown more pronounced in recent months. His fight embodies both physical and emotional hardship.

Medical treatments offer limited relief, and no cure exists for motor neurone disease. Steph Houghton stresses the urgent need for research funding to bring hope to families in crisis. Their plea reverberates through the sports community, demanding swift action.

A charity initiative rallies support through a 178-mile walk that will traverse 26 iconic football stadiums. The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, established in 2019, unites former defenders and military veterans in this noble cause. Fans and players join forces to honor the enduring spirit of the game.

Despite the relentless challenges, the couple holds fast to their dream of parenthood. They believe that even amidst such hardship, family growth remains within reach. Houghton, who ended a decade-long career at Manchester City, cherishes every moment of hope.

In December 2023, Darby revealed on Instagram that his weakened muscles now heighten his risk of serious injury. He raised £130,000 through a charity march, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the fight. Their story continues to inspire hope and rally support across the football world.

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