Ravens back Maddox's matchday campaign

Former Altrincham star Mark Maddox’s battle to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease is being backed by Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Coalville Town.

When the Ravens hosted Halesowen Town on Tuesday night in First Division South, they became the 146th English club to run a special poster in the matchday programme highlighting the killer disease for which there is no cure and a life expectancy of just two to five years after diagnosis.

The former professional footballer, now 40, was diagnosed with the muscle-wasting condition in 2010 and has been campaigning ever since, becoming the face of the Football v MND campaign.

This season the campaign to raise awareness of the rare terminal illness has already been backed by eight Premier League clubs and countless Non-league teams in their matchday programmes.

The former centre half-half, affectionately known as ‘Mad Dog’ during a playing career spanning two decades, is now over half-way to reaching the target of publishing the poster, pictured, in 300 programmes after Coalville’s efforts during their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Yeltz in midweek.

Maddox held several coaching positions after achieving his UEFA 'A' Licence in 2009 and knowing it won’t be too long before he is confined to a wheelchair, has been running sponsored marathons and even been sky-diving to highlight the charity's campaign.

He said: "I’ve been blown away by the support so far, with clubs from Sunday leagues to Premier League all getting involved. I have gone from being a fit and sporty lad to someone who will need 24-hour care.

"I always say I’m living with MND, not dying from it and I’m still the same bloke. I love my music, my football and my family, and a good laugh.

"I’ve accepted life with MND, and don’t know how much time I have left, that’s the scary thing. But it’s what I do now that matters, whether it’s running marathons or through Football v MND. It’s not just about fundraising for research towards a cure. I want people to understand what MND is."

Watch Mark’s story and get involved at www.mndassociation.org/football. Alternatively, follow the campaign on Twitter at @mndassoc #vMND or on facebook at: facebook.com /mndassociation