Widow of Football Icon Calls for Heading Limits Amid MND Concerns

Hilary Maddren, the widow of former Middlesbrough footballer Willie Maddren, is calling for increased protections for athletes, particularly footballers, regarding the link between heading the ball and the development of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Her advocacy comes in the wake of high-profile cases, including that of rugby player Rob Burrow, who died prematurely from the disease.

Willie Maddren, a celebrated figure for Middlesbrough Football Club, played as a centre forward and later a centre half in the successful Jack Charlton-led team of the 1970s. After a playing career cut short by knee injuries at age 26, he returned to the club in various roles, including physio and manager. He was diagnosed with MND at 44 and passed away in 2000 at the age of 49.

Maddren's widow, Hilary, has become increasingly vocal about her belief that athletic pursuits, such as heading the ball in football or the physical contact in rugby, are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. "There's got to be a connection," Hilary told Daily Mail Sport. "It's quite frightening there's so many of them, that's the problem."

She emphasized that while not everyone who plays sports will develop MND, the pattern observed among athletes suggests a contributing factor. "We know in football, heading the ball is causing neurodegenerative diseases. Years ago, we found out there was a bigger chance of getting lung cancer if you smoked. Not everybody with lung cancer smoked but now we know it is a contributing factor."

The Maddren family is part of a campaign, led by the Head Safe charity, advocating for clear legal limits on heading in training sessions. The charity was founded by Judith Gates, whose husband was a teammate of Willie Maddren's. Other families involved in the campaign represent former players like England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, Scotland international Gordon McQueen, and Hugh McIlmoyle.

Former footballer Gary Pallister has also lent his support to the cause. Reflecting on the issue, he noted the potential long-term implications for players from his era. Hilary Maddren expressed concern that players like Pallister, now in their early 60s, may face similar health challenges later in life.

Studies have established a link between heading the ball and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can lead to dementia. While MND is a distinct condition, it is also a neurodegenerative disease. Maddren's initial symptoms included a thumb twitch that progressed to his arms, eventually leading to his diagnosis.

Willie Maddren actively participated in raising funds and awareness for MND research during his illness. A benefit match was held in his honor, and proceeds from his book, 'Extra Time,' were donated to the MND Association. His family and supporters have continued fundraising efforts, estimated to have raised close to £500,000.

The MND Association acknowledges the observed patterns in athletes but states that "correlation does not prove causation" and highlights that the health benefits of sports generally outweigh the risks. Other prominent athletes diagnosed with MND include rugby players Doddie Weir, Joost van der Westhuizen, and Lewis Moody, as well as footballers Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby, and Fernando Ricksen.

Despite the ongoing research and advocacy, Hilary Maddren hopes that education and awareness, particularly regarding heading the ball, will lead to greater protection for future generations of athletes. The campaign has launched a petition seeking parliamentary action.