‘I have to give others with Mnd hope’ – Marcus Stewart on his fundraising drive

Marcus Stewart was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three years ago on January 6. In a cheerful mood, the Ipswich Town icon joins our video discussion. Football and recollections of him cheerfully tossing candy around the press box while serving as a co-commentator are the main topics of discussion. Finally, we discuss his health issues. “I used to have 70% use of my left hand and perfect use of my right hand, but now I only have 2% use of my left hand and 50% use of my right hand,” the 52-year-old says matter-of-factly.

My arms are getting a little weaker, but they are still functional. The rate of improvement has been slower than that of other MND patients. Stewart has expressed distaste for the phrase “fighting the disease” in other interviews. He talked about ‘defying’ it instead. Does he still feel that way? He acknowledges, “Yeah, I do recall saying that.” Since there isn’t much I can do about it, I wouldn’t argue that I am “defying” in the traditional sense. However, I rarely consider what is happening to me since I prefer to live in the now. Every month or two, I adjust to what the symptoms take away from me and, in reality, move on. I try to lead a normal life.

As a football player, my life was lived week by week. The only significant difference is that I don’t have a game to look forward to on Saturday, but other than that, it’s very identical. As a football player, I found it challenging to make plans since you never know what would happen next. Since I have no idea what will happen in two, three, or four years, it’s probably the same now. I calmly explained to him that both happy and bad days must exist. “No,” he is adamant. “I just have this one day, and that’s me, exactly as I am. I feel annoyed sometimes when I can’t tie my laces or put on my socks, but I don’t give up. I would say that I simply maintain a fairly flat emotional state. “I’m doing fine. I simply go about my business. The attitude hasn’t really altered. It is simply what it is.

There will be 130 guests for “An Evening with Marcus Stewart and Friends” at the Sir Bobby Robson Suite on Portman Road tonight. All proceeds from the event, which is hosted by Matt Holland and Simon Milton, will benefit the Darby-Rimmer MND Foundation. “I think we’ll talk about the good old days, my health, and spending some time together with some of my former teammates,” Stewart added. “I’m excited to see everyone and then watch the game the following day.”I always look forward to returning to Portman Road. Thinking, “I was on that pitch at one stage,” does bring back memories. Since that’s how football operates, there are now different players on it; after you complete, someone else takes your place.

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