Week 3

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on where this journey truly began.

 

More than nine years ago, before Challenging MND officially existed, I was given the opportunity to organise a rugby match between two clubs that had shaped so much of my life: Barking RFC and Brentwood RFC. Two worlds colliding for one extraordinary day.

 

The original idea was that the proceeds from the match would be set aside for me personally. It was an incredibly generous gesture. The day itself was unforgettable, the rugby community showed up in force and together we raised more than £18,000.

 

But if I’m honest, I felt uncomfortable. Something didn’t sit right.

 

I had always believed that if I was going to harness the kindness, energy and generosity of the rugby world, it should be for something bigger than me. For a long time, I’d been considering setting up a Charity, something that could create lasting impact beyond my own circumstances.

 

With the support of close friends; Cappo (our former CEO), James West and Kenny Everitt, we made a defining decision. Every single penny raised from that match would go towards setting up the charity. That was the real beginning.

 

I will always be grateful to everyone involved in that game: the players, organisers, volunteers and supporters. Watching those funds go directly into building something meaningful, something that would go on to help so many others, remains one of the proudest moments of my life.

 

Looking back, choosing not to take that money personally was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. The opportunity to turn that generosity into something far greater could never have been replaced.

 

Over the years, it has been an immense privilege to lead the charity as Founder and Chairman. Together, we have now raised over £2.4 million, supporting families across the UK with practical help, relief and moments that truly matter during the toughest times imaginable.

 

There have been ups and downs. People have come and gone but the standard of support has always been first class. Even now, new faces continue to step forward, people who want to be part of something meaningful, something driven by purpose.

 

We’ve taken on countless challenges along the way, each fuelled by belief, community and shared determination. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has stood beside us on this journey.

 

One moment from that very first match has stayed with me more than most. At the final whistle, both teams formed a “tunnel of love” – arms raised, lining the pitch. I wasn’t expecting it. It caught me completely off guard.

 

I felt genuinely moved. The respect. The unity. The togetherness. It meant more than words can properly express.

 

It was an incredible day. And don’t tell my wife… but it might just have been the best day of my life. More than the rugby. More than the money raised. It was the day purpose truly began and for that… I will always be thankful.