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.”