Ipswich Town legend Marcus Stewart shares Motor Neurone Disease battle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Former Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart has spoken about his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in a new Sky and TNT Sports documentary.

Former Ipswich Town striker Marcus Stewart has spoken about his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in a new Sky and TNT Sports documentary titled Marcus Stewart: Not Defeated. Stewart played for the club between 2000 and 2002, making 93 appearances and scoring 37 goals across all competitions. He helped fire Ipswich into the Premier League and earned recognition as one of the division's most effective strikers during his playing career.

In the documentary, Stewart reflects on his diagnosis with equanimity. 'In football you have so many disappointments, whether it is getting injuries, and I think that is preparing me for what is going on at the moment,' he says. 'I had a little cry when I got the diagnosis, but that was it. After that week, I was back on the game. I'm unlucky because I got the disease but lucky because I got it slow.'

His wife Louise also features prominently in the show, including footage from their wedding day. She describes noticing his symptoms during lockdown when his hand cramped up at a local bar. 'It was almost like getting a phone call to say he died,' she says. 'I will always have hope. We will always have hope.'

How it is being reported

• Major TV documentary reveals Ipswich Town legend's battle beyond footballIpswich Town legend Marcus Stewart has shared his battle with a terminal illness in a new Sky TV series after stepping off the football pitch.East Anglian Daily Times · 23 Oct, 11:47
• Major TV documentary reveals Ipswich Town legend's battle beyond footballIpswich Town legend Marcus Stewart has shared his battle with a terminal illness in a new Sky TV series after stepping off the football pitch.Ipswich Star · 23 Oct, 11:35

In this story: Marcus Stewart · Louise Stewart · Ipswich Town · Sky · TNT Sports

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