LONDON, UK: A former cricketer and a councillor who received a life-shattering motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis just months ago has issued a defiant rallying cry to clubs across the UK: join me in hitting this cruel condition for six.
Nick Varley, 58, was told he had MND in November 2024, a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that attacks the nervous system. The news came as the cricket season ended, forcing the lifelong player to make the agonising decision to step away from the sport he has adored since childhood.
But rather than retreat, Varley is charging forward. He is now recruiting amateur cricketers to join the MND Association team, urging clubs to stage charity matches, raffles, and even innings-break teas to raise funds for research and support.
“Cricket has always been a huge part of my life,” said Varley, who once played for Birmingham Schools U12 champion side and helped lead the campaign to get the sport into the Olympics. Until recently, he was a regular for his local vets team at Sevenoaks Vine CC in Kent, one of the world’s oldest cricket grounds.
“Living with MND has taught me how precious every day is and the importance of raising vital funds to fight the disease.”
Varley left struggling to speak due MND is now using AI technology to communicate, with his own pre-recorded voice.
The cruel race against time
MND damages the motor neurones that carry messages from the brain to the muscles. Within months, it can steal a person’s ability to move, speak, eat, drink and breathe. A third of those diagnosed die within a year, more than half within two years.
Every single day in the UK, six people receive this devastating news. Every single day, six people lose their lives to the condition. More than 5,000 people are currently living with MND, and there is no cure.
Varley’s condition has already affected his hands and legs, making it impossible to continue playing. But his passion for the game, and his determination to make a difference, remains unshaken.
‘Cricket is community, and community is everything’
This summer, the MND Association is challenging clubs to “hit MND for six” with fundraising events of any size, from full charity matches to simple raffles and refreshment stands.
“Cricket is built on values of respect, integrity, and community, which is why we are asking as many clubs as possible to take part in fundraising this summer,” Varley said.
“Every pound matters. Your donation will go towards supporting people with MND alongside funding vital research.”
Clubs and individuals can register their events and access fundraising resources at:
www.mndassociation.org/cricket
What is Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
Motor neurone disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological condition that attacks the nerves responsible for sending messages from the brain to the muscles. Over time, these nerves become damaged and stop working, leading to progressive weakness and loss of function.
Key facts about MND:
- Affects movement, speech, eating, drinking and breathing– within months of diagnosis
- One in three peopledie within one year of diagnosis
- More than halfdie within two years
- 6 people diagnosed and 6 people diefrom MND every day in the UK
- Over 5,000 peopleare living with MND in the UK at any one time
- There is currently no cure
The disease does not affect sight, hearing or touch, and while it can affect people of all ages, it is more prevalent in men and risk increases with age. The MND Association supports those living with the condition and funds vital research into treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
