Gethin Jones has handed over £35,000 raised via his family appeal to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
The Wanderers’ vice-captain and his family launched an appeal after Karen Jones – mother of Gethin, Dylan and Ela and husband of Gareth – was diagnosed with MND in July, 2021.
The money was raised to pay for the care and support of Karen, who underwent treatment in the United States but sadly passed away in February, 2022, along with a pledge to donate 25 per cent to the on-going work of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
A fund-raising weekend staged by Wanderers, including an ‘All Star’ match and black-tie dinner, raised £108,000 with a Just Giving page and events run by the Jones’ family in Wales topping the fund up to just over £140,000.
Of that, £35,496 has been donated to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, whose co-founder Stephen Darby is a former Wanderers’ player, to help fund research into a currently incurable disease.
“Stephen Darby has been phenomenal with us. He’s been so supportive. He’s helped me out in speaking to him and was unbelievable with my mum. If my mum ever needed a chat he would be there,” said Gethin, who played his 100th game for Wanderers last weekend.
“One thing we said as a family, even after my mum passed away, was that we want to keep supporting Darby Rimmer and the MND Association.
“There are a lot of things we want to keep on doing because it’s a horrible illness and one we need to find a cure for and do more research.
“It’s heart-breaking to see someone so close to you go away like that.
“It’s been difficult for us, but the club has been so supportive and the help of Sharon (chairman Sharon Brittan), the manager, all the players and the fan-base has been incredible to keep me going.
“As a family, we are so grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.”
Details of the Darby Rimmer Foundation and ways to donate can be found HERE