We are trying to raise money for our good friend Adrian, who has tragically been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. After bravely fighting and beating bowel cancer, Ade was then diagnosed with MND. This horrendous disease removes Ades ability to look after himself, so he relies totally on his wife Jo, who cares for him 24 hours a day. It is such a devastating disease, that as Ades condition sadly deteriorates, his need for more assistance in his care and well being will greatly increase. Not only personal care, but a need for equipment that will enable Jo and Ades family to look after him.

Ade has played such a huge role in the development of so many young footballers at Colchester Utd and The Colne Academy. Not all of them have become professional players, but all have become better people. All of them will testify to what a positive and encouraging figure Ade was in their development. A truly unsung hero who never really spoke about his own career, where he played against the likes of Pele and Beckenbauer.

As a lot of people on the group know, we are going to have an Evening with Ade on the 30.th September at Colchester United. As much as Ade is really looking forward to seeing loads of old friends, it’s important we all realise that Ades care needs to carry on after this event as well. This is why it’s important we try and raise as much money as we can to help Ade, Jo and their family in the uncertain times ahead. Ade has also insisted that a percentage of money raised will go to MND charity. This will help in hopefully one day eradicating this awful illness.

I think once everyone is aware of this page, we can start putting on some auction items and people can bid for them. Personal donations are welcome as well.