OURFC HOSTS ALL4MNd in their 400 miles for mnd bike ride
This Thursday afternoon OURFC had the pleasure of hosting ALL4MND at Iffley Road for a well deserved pit stop during their gruelling 400 mile bike ride from Southampton to Ipswich. 26 cyclists, largely made up of players from Ipswich RFC, stopped off at the club for a welcome break of refreshments and a fitting OURFC welcome.
ALL4MND is a charity venture fighting against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND is a progressive neurological condition that causes degeneration of the muscles. 5,000 adults are affected by MND in the UK and the disease currently has no cure. However, ALL4MND declares that "MND is not incurable; it is underfunded". The charity have raised £230,000 to date for the My Names Doddie foundation, in aid of fighting the disease as they hope to ensure that those who may encounter MND will be able to do so on a more level playing field.
The charity was established by rugby players who were inspired and touched by the other prominent players affected, namely Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. ALL4MND has a particular focus on friendship, family and the bonds created through sport. Founders of the charity were incredibly touched and inspired by seeing Rob Burrow walk out at his 2020 testimonial match in Leeds, carrying his three children and supported by his friends and former teammates. ALL4MND speak of the importance of such friendship and love as motivation and this is carried directly into the incredible physical challenges that the charity takes on. In aid of the fight against MND, the charity have previously hiked 24 of the Lake District's peaks in 24 hours and have undertaken a 400 mile bike ride in the North of England
Jemma Hall from the ALL4MND Challenge Support Crew relayed a few words about the challenge that the team have undertaken.
On Tuesday a team of 26 riders set out on the ambitious feat of cycling 400 miles from Southampton to Ipswich. The team are raising money for the My Name is Doddie foundation to drive much needed research into hopefully finding a cure for this horrible disease.
We’ve had lots of fun so far with road closures, detours through pheasant farms, punctures and very big hill climbs but the team remain it good spirits.
A key driver for us this year is a local family here in Suffolk. Ryan Horsfall was diagnosed in late 2025. A 39 year old self employed plumber with a beautiful young family. The local community have been fearless in supporting Ryan, Kimi and the kids with fundraising challenges and events to support the Horsfalls in their battle with MND. We will also be raising funds for the newly created Horsfall Trust. Ryan is a true MND warrior and has the full support of the ALL4MND team. He has even threatened to jump on a bike with us for the final leg!
Our just giving page link is below for anyone wishing to donate;
-Jemma Hall, ALL4MND
It was an absolute pleasure to host the charity at Iffley Road for a stop during their demanding endeavour in aid of raising awareness for MND, a cause that is in the hearts of so many in the rugby world.
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