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Former Premier League and EFL footballer diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease age 49

Former Premier League and EFL footballer Marcus Stewart has been sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age 49.

Following 12 months of testing, Stewart has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with a statement issued on Thursday afternoon.

A playing career that spanned 20 years, he amassed over 650 appearances for eight different clubs, including Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Bristol City, Yeovil Town and Exeter City, scoring over 250 goals.

The striker made over 100 appearances for the Black Cats, as well as helping guide the Club back to the Premier League in 2004-05.

He has since moved into coaching and management, working at Exeter City, Bristol Rovers and Walsall. Stewart is currently Head of Player Development at Yeovil Town.

Stewart said: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank those closest to me for their unwavering support since my recent diagnosis.

“As I take the time to adjust, my intention is to continue to enjoy my work in football and spend time with my family.

“In the future, I would like to use my platform within football to help raise awareness around MND, but in the short-term, I would like to ask for privacy on behalf of myself and my family.”

Marcus and his wife Louise have set up a JustGiving page with all proceeds going to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. You can support and donate by clicking here.

For more information on MND, click here.

JUSTGIVING PAGE

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

It seems like yesterday I was setting up a just giving page for Marcus and I to run the London Marathon. Now it’s for a cause even closer to our hearts. After Marcus’s diagnosis our family and friends were all in agreement on one thing, making this a positive situation. We’ve received some invaluable support and advice from Stephen Darby,  co founder of the Darby Rimmer charity, so there was no other charity we would all like to support more. Raising awareness, support and inevitably helping find a cure for this disease is key. We have several fundraising events already set up. Marcus’s sons are running the Manchester Marathon. Myself, family and friends are taking part in one of the ultra challenges, the London winter marathon walk and we have more in the pipeline. I will update the page with further events in due course. If you would like to run your own fundraising event or join us in the ones we are doing. Please email me at : louisestewart28@yahoo.com. 

Please donate no matter how big or small. It will all help in the battle to #attackMND

Your support is invaluable. Thank you in helping support the fight 💪🏻and showing your support for Marcus. 

Lou Stewart xx

Many fans, players, pundits, clubs paid respect towards the former Premier League and EFL footballer Marcus Stewart who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease age 49…

@NickyNatchyNoo: Thoughts with Marcus Stewart. Truly awful news. The whole of Bristol is with you! 🔴⚪️ 🔵⚪️

@JohnG4852: I remember Marcus playing for my club Sunderland. What a class striker. Hope he’s as comfortable as he can be and wish him every success in his treatment.

@Matt_dentaylor: Can we sing Marcus Stewart’s song in the 11th minute Saturday #itfc

@JohnSlaterITFC: Just seen the Marcus Stewart news. That one hurts. A superb footballer and, by all accounts, an even better human being. Devastating news. #ITFC

@blooboy83: Devastating. My absolute childhood hero, and favourite player to ever wear the blue and white stripes. Thoughts are with you and your family Marcus.

@Martyn1988: 😢😢😢 stay strong Marcus, we’re all with you 💙💙💙

@NicolaITFC: This is extremely awful news! MND is a horrible! As all Town fans know, Marcus was a brilliant players for @IpswichTown and was part of the hugely successful promotional team of 1999/2000. We are thinking of Marcus and his family at this difficult time 💙💙

@tobyITFC1878: There’s only one Marcus Stewart 💙💙

@Smiffy_2010: Oh to have a player like Marcus now, wonderful player, all the very best wishes to a true legend 💙💙💙

@Regularhero: Awful news, will never forget the difference he made to our promotion push and that day at Wembley

@IpswichLondon: Awful news. A standing ovation of 28k inside Portman Road on minute 11 to show support and solidarity with Marcus and his family from the #itfc fanbase? Once a blue… 💙

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