With renowned research institutes and dedicated care centres, Yorkshire is at the forefront of MND treatment and support.
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, 47, has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), prompting renewed discussion about the condition.
Yorkshire continues to lead the way in research, specialist care, and support for patients living with MND. The county has become a national leader in tackling the disease, combining decades of research with world-class clinical services. Centres across the region not only treat patients but also contribute to national and international studies aimed at understanding the condition, testing new therapies, and improving quality of life.
Understanding MND
Motor neurone disease is a progressive condition that damages the nerve cells controlling movement. As these cells fail, muscles weaken and can eventually become paralysed, though memory and thinking usually remain unaffected. Life expectancy varies, but most people live two to five years after diagnosis. There is no cure, though treatments like riluzole can slow progression, and specialist care can make everyday life more manageable.
Moody joins a group of high-profile rugby figures diagnosed with MND, including Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir. Experts stress, however, that there is no proven link between rugby and the disease. MND can affect anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or background.
Pioneering research at SITraN
The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) is at the forefront of MND research. Bringing together doctors and scientists, SITraN studies how nerve cells are damaged and tests new treatments in clinical trials. Its work turns laboratory discoveries into real-world therapies designed to slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
SITraN has played a key role in international Phase 3 clinical trials, helping patients access experimental therapies while contributing to global research. Some trials have even seen wheelchair-dependent patients regain mobility, highlighting Yorkshire’s role as a world leader in MND research.
Leeds MND care centre
The Leeds MND Care Centre, based at Seacroft Hospital, provides multi-disciplinary support for people living with motor neurone disease. Neurologists, therapists, dietitians, and palliative care specialists work together to deliver coordinated care. The centre also collaborates with other hubs, including Sheffield, giving patients access to research projects and clinical trials that aim to improve treatment and quality of life.
Rob Burrow Centre
The new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds will centralise all MND services under one roof. Scheduled to open this autumn, it will offer therapy, dietetics, neurology, and palliative care, while providing dedicated spaces for patients, families, and carers. Fundraising has raised £6.8 million, reflecting strong community support and continuing the legacy of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who died from MND in 2024.
UK Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute
The UK MND Research Institute, co-directed by Professor Chris McDermott at the University of Sheffield, connects MND centres nationwide to study the causes of the disease and test new therapies. By sharing findings and coordinating research, the institute accelerates the development of potential treatments, with Yorkshire playing a central role in this national effort.
Spotlight and future directions
Moody’s diagnosis has renewed public attention on MND, highlighting the urgent need for research, specialist care, and community support. While the disease remains life-changing and incurable, Yorkshire’s combination of innovative research, clinical trials, and patient-centred care offers hope. From Sheffield’s labs to Leeds’ specialist centres, the region is showing that coordinated expertise and strong community engagement can make a real difference in the lives of people living with MND.