Hundreds run to raise money for ex-rugby player Matt Gallagher’s MND Foundation
More than 300 people turned out at Old Silhillians Rugby Club in Solihull and have so far raised over £20,000 for the Matt Gallagher Foundation.
The run took place on Saturday 5 April, with people from all walks of life gathering at the rugby club in support of Matt and the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) community. A significant proportion of the funds raised came from sponsorship by the Pertemps group, who were previously associated with the Pertemps Bees, one of Matt’s former clubs.
A former Coventry Rugby player, Matt was diagnosed with MND in October 2023 and since then created his Foundation to support families affected by the illness.
The inspiration for the 3km run stemmed from a run in the USA called ‘Brian’s run’ that Matt’s niece Millie and his older brother Marty noticed, and from there Matt’s Run was born.
This is the second year of Matt’s Run and Matt himself was able to start the run off, despite being semi-permanently in a wheelchair.
“We’re based in Solihull and I used to do a lot of rugby coaching at Old Sillhilians and I was one of the senior rugby coaches at the school attached to it,” said Matt.
“We held the event there last year and it went really well, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
“I was able to start the race off in my wheelchair, although I went more on the ‘g’ than the ‘o’ of go!”
One of Matt’s friends, Lee Jones, who he also coached during his time at Solihull School, is chair of Old Silhillians and helped with the organisation of last year’s run.
Lee was full of praise for the run and what it has achieved, but even more so of Matt and his ability to inspire those around him.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for him,” said Lee, an IPF (Injured Players Foundation) trustee.
“I’m disabled myself and when he was first diagnosed we had a meeting and I tried to give him some of my knowledge. I’m just in awe of the man.
“The outlook is never great with that sort of diagnosis, but seeing the way he has met the challenge is incredible. It’s him all over, he’s a typical rugby player taking it head on.”
Matt’s inspirational nature has also seen the rugby community, particularly in the West Midlands, with countless former Coventry and local players pitching in to raise money.
Since the Foundation was started, they have raised more than £600,000, picking up the baton for the MND community following the death of Rob Burrow and the connection between the two remains strong.
His son, Jack, and Joe, who Matt coached, will also be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May, as well as further fundraising efforts throughout the year.
“Matt knows so many people and it’s inspiring how he’s left a mark on all their lives,” said Lee.
“They’re also good enough to be coming forward and helping, it’s a testament to him.”
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