Funds from the evening at Ipswich's Venue 16 on last Saturday will be split between national research projects and the local Suffolk MND support group, ensuring both vital research and community support benefit from the generosity of those who attended.
The event’s guest speaker was Liverpool FC legend Sammy Lee, who made 396 football league appearances and earned 14 England caps during his career.
He said: “I really enjoyed the visit to Suffolk – a warm reception and a great footballing community. I'm proud to be able to help the MND Association, it was a special night.”
Headline sponsor Far Logistics also played a key role in the evening’s success.
Jerry Thorpe, who died in 2021_(Image: Donovan Blake)_
Managing director, Gav Vince, added: “What a fantastic evening. We’re proud that Far Logistics played its part in helping make the night such a huge success.
"More importantly supporting a charity that does such amazing work, and I’m pleased that the money raised throughout the evening is being split between national research and our local group in Suffolk.”
The dinner was organised by the friends and family of Jerry Thorpe, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and died in 2021.
His son Ben said: “Huge thanks to everyone who supported the event. I know Dad would be very proud.”
Guests also enjoyed a special surprise when Kevin Sinfield – a rugby league legend and tireless MND fundraiser – sent a video message ahead of his return to Suffolk this December, when he will kick off his next challenge of running seven marathons in seven days.
The dinner builds upon the success of previous fundraising efforts, including two veteran charity football matches, bringing the total raised by Jerry’s family and friends to more than £21,000 for the MND Association.
Ellie Miller of the MND Association said: “It was amazing to see so many people come together, not only to celebrate Jerry, but to raise vital funds and awareness for the MND Association.
"Every story shared and every donation made helps us move closer to a world free from motor neurone disease.”