Former footballer and campaigner Len Johnrose has died, aged 52.
Len had played for Bury, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley during his 16-year sporting career, before he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2017.
Ever since, he has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for the disease, especially among other football players.
Len launched Project 92 after a 2019 FIELD Study discovered that there was a four-fold increased risk of developing MND among footballers compared to the general population.
Remembering Len Johnrose and the incredible contribution he made towards raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease charities, following his own MND diagnosis 💙 pic.twitter.com/qg4e2GOPnh
His challenge – the Ice Foot 92 – saw famous footballers all trying to sit with their feet submerged in ice water to raise £92,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
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His sad death was announced yesterday by the Len Johnrose Trust.
A statement said: “We are heartbroken to tell you that our leader, Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
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“Len was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Len Johnrose is now communicating with his family and friends using his own voice, which he banked after being diagnosed with #mnd.
The ex Blackburn Rovers and Burnley midfielder says being able to use his voice again with the help of a machine has been a huge boost.#bbcsportpic.twitter.com/qTPdy52bfm
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) July 5, 2022
BBC Sport Lancashire recently documented how Len had captured his own voice after his diagnosis so that he could use it through his speech machine when the disease took his ability to speak.
Paying tribute to the former footballer, they wrote: “We are so sad to report that our friend & former colleague Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
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“The former Burnley, Blackburn, Hartlepool, Bury & Swansea player was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017.
“We send our condolences & best wishes to Len’s family & friends.”
Rob Burrow, who also has MND, wrote: “I am sad to hear of the passing of a mnd warrior len Johnrose. I’m sick of this tory government not allowing the funds?. Rip len”
Burnley FC wrote: “We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former player Len Johnrose. Len passed away on Monday 15th August, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this very sad time. You’ll always be a Claret Len.”
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Len Johnrose has sadly died. Credit: MNDA
Chris James, director of external affairs at the Motor Neurone Disease Association said: “I clearly remember the summer of 2018, when Len Johnrose first spoke about being diagnosed with motor neurone disease and his story immediately gained national TV coverage and newspaper headlines.
“Len helped us in almost every area of our work, responding positively to every request and invitation, and giving his time to help both nationally and locally as a patron of the Central and East Lancashire Support Group.
“We are incredibly grateful to him and his family for all their help over the years, and we will continue to support Len’s family as they deal with this very sad news.”
Featured image: Len Johnrose Trust
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Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
16th August 2022 
