News

Cornwall RLFC are proud to be supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association with a bucket collection at today’s game against Doncaster,

The club were recently contacted by Graham Stirr who is raising funds for MNDA on behalf of his friend Dean Mooney who lives in Cornwall and is currently battling Motor Neurone Disease.

MND, which currently has no cure, has affected the rugby community in recent years with the sad passing of union legend Doddie Weir in late 2022.

In rugby league, our very own Rob Burrow, at just 40-years-old, continues his inspiring fight against MND, helped by the inspiring fundraising efforts of his friend and rugby legend Sir Kevin Sinfield.

We ask supporters to dig deep into their pockets today to give anything they can to help the fight against MND.

Dean’s Story

My name is Dean Mooney and I have motor neurone disease.

Having lived and worked in various places I moved with my wife, Judith, to Cornwall in 2001. It only seems two minutes ago but my four children who have grown up here are now in their late teens and early 20s.

My social life has always revolved around sport, at first football with Hayle and Penzance, and then, as I grew older and slower, running and sailing. I met great people as team mates and opposition up and down the County to share a beer , a joke and, often, a mickey take with.

I was pretty content with my life when, in late 2019, I noticed my left hand was getting weaker and colder. As it got more noticeable, I sought medical advice but along came lock down in early 2020. The weakness in my left hand and arm developed further so that by the time I saw a neurologist in August 2021 there was a distinct tremor.

I had been thinking it was a trapped nerve so it was a complete shock when I was told it was MND.

Those first few months after diagnosis were a blur as I told my family and friends and feared the future.

But although I had to give up work (and running!), progression over the first two years was slower than we feared. The last six months have seen an acceleration however. I now have a wheelchair and a device to help with my eating. Communication has become difficult but my children never listened to me anyway!

While there is no treatment and no cure for MND, it is a life of frustration as you lose your capabilities and it only ends up one way..

Doddie Weir was a great comfort to me in my early days and I mourn his loss. The hero that is Rob Burrow is an inspiration in how you can adapt your life to do what you can while you can.

Rugby, and especially rugby league, has been a great friend to the MND community and I thank you on their behalf.