A small army of fundraisers are to take on one of Cumbria’s best known endurance events to support a legendary Carlisle footballer battling motor neurone disease.

The plight of former Carlisle United and Workington Reds player Tony Hopper touched the hearts of many Cumbrians, and his family and many friends have shown a real determination to help him and his family however they can.

Tony’s wife Sue has confirmed the campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association) will be boosted at the Gelt Gladiator event by about 50 fundraisers – 27 of them children.

Those taking part in this weekend's mud-spattered event will include Sue and two of the couple’s sons, Daniel and Adam.

Sue said: “We are entering two teams into Gelt Gladiator for the MND Association – an adult one on Saturday starting at 2.30pm with eight adults (including me) and the Sunday one starting at 3.30pm with 27 children, including Daniel and Adam.

“The group will include many parents, all hoping to raise awareness and money for the MND Association.”

It is one of many fundraisers which people have taken part in since Tony told the world about his illness. Sue said that he has been amazed at the warmth and support shown by people from around the county.

She said: "It's been amazing and humbling to see how the whole community has got involved. We want to raise money for the association and awareness. It's such a devastating disease and a lot of people don't know about it."

The recent Carlisle United Football Club Legends Match had been amazing and she was proud of both Tony and his brothers, she said. Sue added: "It's been quite humbling. You hear about bad things, but the community spirit we have seen has been unbelievable."

The MND Association was chosen as this year’s Gelt Gladiator’s nominated charity.

The event will see hundreds of competitors tackle the muddy challenge in Gelt Woods near Brampton. In an earlier interview, organiser Mike James explained the decision to support Brampton-based Tony’s cause.

He said: “Tony is someone I’ve got to know over the years. The decision was really made for me when I was at the Carlisle United match [against Portsmouth] and he did the half-time draw. It touched me so much I wanted to do something.”