From Coaching to Courage: Supporting Patrick’s Fight

️STAND WITH A LOCAL LEGEND – SUPPORT PATRICK MCGONIGLE ️

Raising Funds for an Amazing Man Battling Motor Neurone Disease

If you’ve spent any time around grassroots football in our community, chances are you know Patrick.

He’s been a passionate children’s football coach, a Hampshire FA referee, and a vital part of Sholing FC—always giving his time, energy, and heart to the game and the people around him. And yes, he’s a proud Celtic supporter (we try not to hold it against him!).

Now, after giving so much to so many, Patrick is facing one of life’s hardest challenges.

PATRICK HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND)

MND is a rare, cruel, and progressive condition that affects the brain and nerves. It gradually takes away muscle function, leading to difficulty walking, talking, eating, and eventually breathing. There is currently no cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2–5 years.

MY CHALLENGE FOR PATRICK – THE YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS, WITH ADDED WEIGHT

To help raise funds, I’m taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge—a 24-mile, 12-hour hike across Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough on 1st June’25. I’ve funded the journey and the hike myself so 100% will go to the charity that is supporting Patrick and his family.

But I’m not stopping there. I’ll be doing it wearing a 6kg weighted vest, symbolising the extra burden people with MND carry every single day.

Every step will be for Patrick. Every donation will make a real difference.

THE MND ASSOCIATION

Donations will support the MND Association, who:

Fund life-changing research into treatments and a cure

Provide financial and emotional support for families

Train carers and health professionals to give better care

Campaign to give people with MND a stronger voice

LET’S GIVE BACK TO A MAN WHO GAVE SO MUCH

“He coached our kids. He refed our matches. He gave direction from the side lines. Now it's our turn to stand with him.”Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Motor Neurone Disease Association www.mndassociation.org for more information.