28 October 2020 Fundraising
Footballer Len Johnrose and the Motor Neurone Disease Association were given the red carpet treatment by Sky Sports which hosted the premiere of Project 92, a special collaboration aimed at raising funds and awareness.
The 90 second film, featuring a host of high profile footballers, presenters and fans, was aired for the first time on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports on Saturday 7 November. Alongside the film launch, former midfielder Len and Liverpool player Stephen Darby who are both living with MND, were interviewed by Sky Sports commentator Dickie Davis.
Dickie said:
“It’s an absolute honour for Sky Sports to have launched the premiere of Project 92 on Soccer Saturday. We spoke to Len Johnrose and Stephen Darby – former players who are incredibly inspiring – I mean, they really humble you. Len and Stephen are so honest – they know this isn’t about helping them – it’s about raising money to help future sufferers. This isn’t just about former players or football fans, this is about everyone. Project 92 is Len’s baby and it needs everyone to get behind it. £92,000 is his aim – let’s help get him there.”
Len’s travels around the 92 football league clubs giving talks about MND and encouraging donations to Project 92 from players, backroom staff and clubs were curtailed by the coronavirus. So he turned to film to capture his message.
The film is a collaboration by the footballing community. Featured alongside Len are: Sky Sports presenters Jeff Stelling and Jacqui Oatley; England and Manchester City’s Ellen White; Nigeria and Everton’s Alex Iwobi; Ivorian and Cardiff City’s Sol Bamba; chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association Gordon Taylor; Swansea City ambassador Lee Trundle; Burnley FC fan Alastair Campbell; and former England and Liverpool player Stephen Darby.
Len said:
“I’m really grateful to everyone who has contributed towards Project 92, allowing me to create a bit of a footballing all star cast. Project 92 is my way of doing something positive for people with MND now and in the future. It started as a seed of an idea to raise awareness but I really want the football clubs to get behind this and help us raise money towards care and research.”
