Ex-cricketer Nick Varley battles MND with charity campaign 'Hit MND for Six'

Nick Varley, 58, received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) in November 2024. The condition forces him to stop playing cricket for Sevenoaks Vine CC as his symptoms worsen. He is now rallying amateur cricketers to support a charity campaign this summer. MND attacks the nerves that carry signals from the brain to the muscles. Over time, it weakens movement, speech, swallowing, and even breathing. A third of those diagnosed die within two years, and over 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease at any given moment. Every day, six more receive the same diagnosis.

The MND Association has launched a cricket-themed fundraising drive called 'hit MND for six'. Supporters are encouraged to host charity matches, raffles, or tea events to raise money. All funds will help people living with the disease and finance essential research. Nick Varley’s own cricket career has ended because of MND. His new mission is to build a team of amateur players for the charity effort. Every pound raised will directly aid those affected by the illness and push forward scientific progress.