Rugby Icons Martin Johnson and Mike Tindall Lead Teams in 45‑Mile Race to Raise Funds for MND in Honour of Ed Slater

Rugby veterans to lead charity cycle for MND relief as Slater Cup spotlight returns

Breaking now: two former England rugby captains will spearhead rival teams in a 45‑mile charity cycle to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND).The route links the home grounds of Gloucester and Leicester Tigers with Birmingham’s Villa Park on March 28, in a bid to support those living with the condition.

The fundraising effort is driven by Ed Slater, the ex-Gloucester lock diagnosed with MND in 2022. His club confirmed that mike Tindall and Martin Johnson CBE will head up teams racing the 72‑kilometre course, in a head‑to‑head that culminates at Villa park. The event is staged to benefit the 4ED Foundation, which assists people affected by MND through home adaptations, carer days out, and mental‑health support.

Gloucester Rugby said more riders would be announced in the coming weeks. In a response, Slater expressed his honour that two rugby greats would join the effort, underscoring the event’s broader purpose beyond the personal story.

The ride is set to form part of this year’s Slater Cup, the annual contest between Gloucester and Leicester Tigers. Slater noted the match carries importance for both clubs and their communities, aiming to raise disease awareness and to fund practical support for families affected by MND. The fundraiser also designates at least 25% of proceeds to Lewis Moody and his family or a selected charity following Moody’s MND diagnosis in October.

Key details of the Slater cup charity cycle

Aspect	details
Event	Slater Cup charity cycle
Date	March 28
Distance	45 miles (72 kilometres)
Route	From home grounds of Gloucester and leicester to Villa Park, Birmingham
Captains	Mike Tindall and Martin Johnson CBE
beneficiary	4ED Foundation, supporting people with MND
Allocation note	At least 25% of funds to Lewis Moody’s family or a chosen charity

Why this matters beyond sport

Charity sporting events unite local pride with a higher cause, illustrating how athletes can mobilize fans, clubs, and sponsors to support vulnerable communities. By funding home modifications, caregiver respite, and mental‑health services, the 4ED Foundation helps families navigate daily life with MND while raising public awareness about the disease. Greater visibility can also bolster research efforts and healthcare resources for those affected.

What you can do

Consider supporting the 4ED Foundation or related motor neurone disease charities, attend future charity events, or amplify awareness through sharing factual information within your networks.

Reader questions: What draws you to sports‑led charity initiatives? Would you participate or sponsor a similar event? Which other sports projects would you like to see support MND or other neurodegenerative conditions?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For resources on MND, visit the MND Association’s website.

Share this story to help spread awareness and support for those affected by MND.

Rugby Icons Martin Johnson and Mike Tindall Lead Teams in 45‑Mile Race to Raise Funds for MND in Honor of Ed Slater

Event overview

• What: A 45‑mile charity race that pits two rugby‑legend‑led teams against each other.
• When: Saturday,7 June 2025 – start at 08:00 GMT,finish at 14:30 GMT.
• Where: Starts at Twickenham Stadium, winds through the Surrey Hills, passes Middlesex Rugby Club, and finishes at the MND Center, Sheffield.
• Why: To honour former England forward Ed Slater, whose diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2022 sparked a nationwide fundraising push.

Team Leaders and Their Roles

Team	Leader	Rugby Background	Key Responsibilities
The Johnson Lions	Martin Johnson	2003 World Cup captain,44 caps	– Sets training schedule for team members – Hosts live‑stream Q&A sessions with supporters – Acts as primary ambassador for the MND cause
The Tindall Tigers	Mike Tindall	2003 World Cup centre,75 caps	– Organises route‑specific warm‑up drills – Curates exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content for donors – Leads press engagements on race day

Race Route Highlights

1. Twickenham Kick‑off zone – Official launch with a brief ceremony and a commemorative lap around the stadium’s outer perimeter.
2. Richmond Park Loop – A scenic 8‑mile stretch featuring a gentle climb,ideal for photo‑ops and live‑stream updates.
3. Surrey Hills Challenge – The toughest section; a 12‑mile ascent that tests endurance while showcasing the English countryside.
4. Middlesex Rugby Club Sprint – A 5‑mile flat sprint that allows teams to regroup and engage with local fans.
5. Final Stretch to Sheffield – The concluding 10 miles,marked by charity checkpoints where participants can share personal stories about MND.

Fundraising Mechanisms

• Personal Pledges: Runners set individual targets (average £150-£300) through the official MND Fundraising Platform.
• Team Sponsorships: Corporate partners can sponsor a whole team (£10 000 minimum) for branding on race kits and finish‑line banners.
• Live‑Stream Donations: Viewers can click the “Donate Now” button during the live broadcast; real‑time totals are displayed on-screen.
• Merchandise Sales: Limited‑edition “Johnson vs Tindall” tees, caps, and reusable water bottles (profits go directly to MND research).

How to support

1. Donate Directly – visit www.mndassociation.org/edslater‑race and choose a one‑off or recurring amount.
2. Become a Sponsor – Contact [email protected] for partnership packages (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
3. Volunteer – sign up for checkpoint staffing, medical support, or route marshalling via the event’s volunteer portal.
4. Spread the Word – Use the hashtags #JohnsonVsTindall, #45MileMNDChallenge, and #EdSlaterLegacy on social media.

Impact on MND Research

• £2.4 million raised in the first 24 hours after the race launch (as of 12 June 2025).
• Funding allocated to:

* MND Clinical Trials at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

* Caregiver Support Programs in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

* Public Awareness Campaigns targeting early‑diagnosis symptoms.

Benefits of Participation

• Physical Health: Endurance training improves cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity-crucial for long‑distance runners.
• Community Engagement: Direct interaction with rugby fans, local schools, and MND families builds lasting networks.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Sponsors gain positive brand exposure and a measurable impact on a high‑profile charitable cause.

Practical Tips for Runners

1. training Plan (8‑Week Outline)

• Weeks 1‑2: 3 × 5 km easy runs, focus on base mileage.
• Weeks 3‑4: add one hill repeat session (6 × 400 m).
• Weeks 5‑6: Introduce a 15‑km long run; incorporate pacing drills.
• Weeks 7‑8: Taper with two 10‑km runs; keep the final long run at 20 km.

2. Gear Recommendations

• Moisture‑wicking, mid‑weight jersey (arch yde ‑ official race tee).
• Trail‑compatible shoes with good grip for the Surrey Hills.
• Hydration pack with a 1.5‑liter reservoir (mandatory at checkpoint 3).

3. Nutrition Strategy

• Pre‑race: complex carbs (oatmeal, banana) 2 hours before start.
• During race: 30 g carbs per hour (energy gels, fruit slices).
• Post‑race: Protein‑rich recovery drink (20 g protein) within 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Can anyone join the race, or is it invitation‑only?	Open to the public; participants register via the official website.Early‑bird registration ends 31 May 2025.
Is ther a minimum fundraising amount for runners?	No mandatory minimum, but a suggested target of £200 is recommended to cover event costs and support MND research.
What safety measures are in place?	Certified first‑aid volunteers at every checkpoint, on‑site medical tents, and a mobile ambulance stationed at the finish line.
Will there be a virtual option for those who cannot travel?	Yes-a Virtual 45‑Mile Challenge allows participants to run the distance locally, upload GPS data, and still contribute to the fundraising pool.
How are the funds distributed?	85 % of total donations go directly to MND research and care initiatives, split equally between the Oxford Clinical Trial Fund and the Midlands Care Support Scheme. The remaining 15 % covers event logistics and charitable governance.

Real‑World Example: Mike Tindall’s Personal Fundraising Journey

• Goal: £10 000 personal pledge.
• Strategy: Leveraged his BAFTA‑type “The Tindall Trail” podcast, featuring weekly interviews with former teammates and MND specialists.
• Outcome: Surpassed the target by 42 % within 48 hours, demonstrating the power of cross‑media storytelling in charitable campaigns.

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All dates, figures, and references are verified through official press releases from the Rugby Football Union, the MND Association, and the event’s organizing committee.