Warriors boost for county charity

A Worcestershire woman, whose mother suffers from motor neurone disease (MND) has enlisted the aid of Worcester Warriors former captain Chris Pennell to support her latest fund-raising exercise.

Alicia Blunkett (pictured) has so far has raised £5,000 for the Worcestershire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association since her mother, a former teacher at Birmingham Children 's Hospital, was diagnosed with the disease four years ago.

Now Chris has donated a signed Warriors shirt so that Alicia can organise a raffle in order to raise further funds for the charity.

He said: “I am delighted to be able to support the charity, which I know provides excellent support not only to those who are suffering from the disease but also their carers. ”

Alicia, who lives in Bewdley, said: “I am so grateful to Chris for his support. He himself suffers from Type 1 diabetes so I know he is well aware of the effect that life-changing illnesses can have on individuals.

“I am also really appreciative of the support that my family has received from the county branch of the MND Association so I fund raise whenever I can, ” she added. “The diagnosis in 2017 came as a massive shock and it has changed all our lives ever since. ”

To date, Alicia, aged 25, has organised events which have included a quiz night and a bake-off, as well as being involved with the organisation of the charity 's annual Walk to D 'feet.

Anita Sharma-James, Bromsgrove-based chair of Worcestershire MND Association, said: “Alicia 's support is typical of the on-going efforts of our volunteers to raise awareness of the work of our association, while Chris ' backing highlights the encouragement and help shown by so many people keen to aid our sponsorship activities and fund-raising efforts. ”