Former Liverpool player Stephen Darby was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018
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Stephen Darby and partner Steph Houghton
Stephen Darby and partner Steph Houghton(Image: PA)
Former Liverpool player Stephen Darby's wife has given an update on his health battle. Steph Houghton, the former captain of England Women's team, spoke to ITV about her husband's struggle with motor neurone disease.
The ex-footballer was diagnosed in September 2018 with the life-limiting condition. The 36-year-old received the life-altering diagnosis just three months into his marriage with Steph, after noticing a weakening in his arms, reports the Mirror.
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For more than six years, he has been living with the disease that progressively impairs the brain and nervous system, and his health has deteriorated recently. While there is no cure for MND at present, certain treatments can help manage its effects on everyday life.
According to the MND Association, as many as 5,000 adults in the UK could be living with the disease at any one time. Steph said: "We are so desperate for that cure, we are so desperate for money to be put into research to allow families to have that little bit of hope."
Describing the impact on their lives, she added: "How do you ever describe the changes that we've had as a family? It's so hard to see your husband who had so much promise in his football career.
Stephen Darby of Liverpool
Stephen Darby of Liverpool(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
"To see that being taken away from him, but also the simple tasks that we take for granted - being able to walk, being able to have food, being able to get up the stairs. I'm not going to lie and I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I have the best days, because I don't."
Supporters of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation are set to embark on a 178-mile journey, starting at Wembley and taking in an additional 26 football stadiums along the way. The foundation was established in 2019 when former Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby teamed up with British Forces veteran Chris Rimmer.
Despite the daily challenges posed by living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Stephen and Steph remain hopeful about starting a family. Steph shared the couple's struggles and aspirations ahead of a charity walk this weekend aimed at raising funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
In a heartfelt interview with ITV, Steph, who retired last year after a successful stint with Manchester City Women, said: "It was always a dream of ours to be parents one day and that's still possible.
"It's something that we'll always continue to speak about. I love him to absolute bits, I know he's as strong as ever. He's willing to fight this for as long as possible."
Stephen shared on Instagram in December 2023 to reveal the increased risk of serious injuries he faces due to his inability to break falls with his hands or arms, a consequence of the muscle weakness caused by MND.
Last year, he and fellow ex-footballer Marcus Stewart, who has also been diagnosed with MND, raised £130,000 by completing a 178-mile charity march from Anfield to Valley Parade, home of Bradford City.