I will meet challenge says Slater diagnosis This latest head-on, after shock with MND
FORMER Leicester Tigers skipper Ed Slater, who this week revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, has pledged to “meet this challenge head-on”.
The 33-year-old, latterly of Gloucester RFC, announced the diagnosis after six months of testing and his retirement from rugby with immediate effect on Thursday, leaving the rugby world shocked to the core.
Gloucester set up a JustGiving page to raise £20,000 for Slater and his family, but that target was passed within hours of its launch and by late yesterday afternoon had topped £50,000.
More than 1,450 people have donated via the link, many of whom left messages of goodwill and support too.
Slater, who featured in a number of England squads and represented England Saxons, joined Gloucester in 2017 following seven years with Leicester, where he served as club captain.
“I want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone for all your messages of support and generosity,” he said.
“It gives me and my family a huge amount of strength in a time of sadness for us.
“I will meet this challenge head-on. Ultimately I can’t win but I will fight with everything. Hope is not lost.”
He added a thank you to Jill Douglas, a TV sports presenter, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation - who have “been a huge support” - and the MND Association.
“(They) are working to fight this disease for me and all my fellow battlers of
MND as well as our loved ones,” he said.
Gloucester have also expressed gratitude for support received by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The foundation was set up by former Scotland and British and Irish Lions lock Doddie Weir, who revealed in June 2017 that he was suffering from MND.
Weir has been driven to help fellow sufferers and seek ways to further research into an, as yet, incurable disease.
Announcing the diagnosis on Thursday, Gloucester said: “Following six months of testing, Ed’s diagnosis was confirmed last week and, as a result, with the support of his family, friends and Gloucester Rugby, he has made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
“Everyone at Gloucester Rugby – players, management and staff – are entirely committed to supporting Ed, his wife Jo and his three children in whatever way required.
“We know the same will be true of Gloucester and Leicester fans, and the wider rugby community.”
Slater joined Tigers from Nottingham Rugby Club in 2010, and went on to make 148 appearances before moving on to Gloucester in 2017.
As reported in yesterday’s Mercury, Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: “I’ve been in contact with Ed and I know that
everyone connected with the Tigers... will join me in passing on very best wishes and full support to him, his wife and his children.”
Mercury columnist Ian Cockerill said: “Ed Slater was a brilliant captain for the Tigers in an incredibly difficult period, and he was clearly truly proud to hold that post and filled it remarkably well.
“We now know he faces his next challenge, having been diagnosed with MND and I am sure he will face that with the same determination, good humour and fighting spirit that epitomises everything he has ever done. Naturally, our thoughts are with him and his family and all our best wishes go with him and them.”
A statement released by Gloucester on the fund-raising said: “While Ed, his family and the club take time to determine next steps, Gloucester Rugby have opened this JustGiving page.
“The direction of these funds will be determined in due course, whether it be supporting Ed and his family directly and/or a selected MND charity.”
Since the news broke, social media has been full of support and messages for Slater too from people across the rugby family.
Sunday Times rugby correspondent Stephen Jones wrote: “This takes the breath away, frankly. Ed Slater one of the best forwards and best men in rugby. Praying for strength for you and family mate - support from Gloucester Rugby is a given.”
Former Tigers fly-half Andy Goode wrote: “Absolutely devastated hearing the sad news of Ed Slater being diagnosed with MND. Life can be so cruel but I know he’ll battle this disease harder than you can imagine. Please show your love and support by donating what you can.”
Another player with Tigers and Gloucester connections, Freddie Burns, said: “With you and the family every step of the way Ed”.
Recently retired Northampton Saints and England flanker Tom Wood added: “Gutted to read this. Sending all the strength, love and support to Ed and his family,” and England and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care said: “Genuinely heartbreaking. What a bloke Ed is. Please help if you can.”
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