A FORMER Cougars star diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease ran the Manchester Half Marathon with his wife.

Phil Stephenson and his wife Karen competed as part of "Team Stevo", in honour of Mr Stephenson's nickname, helping to raise thousands to help others affected by this illness.

By participating in the run their 16-strong team together raised a combined total of £6,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. (MNDA)

Karen Stephenson said: "We were cheered through the race by our amazing support crew, which was full of friends and family, and were also supported by a group from the MND Association Manchester.

"Phil and I would like to thank everyone who got involved as part of our running team, and would also like to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who generously sponsored us in order to support the amazing work that the MNDA does to help those affected by MND and their families.

"We have many future events in the pipeline, including sporting challenges in aid of the same cause.

"I along with 16 others have signed up for the Great North Run next year with the MNDA.

"I am challenging myself to run, walk, swim and cycle 250 miles next year to raise money and awareness for the association.

"Phil and I will be walking the 124 mile-length of Hadrian's Wall in March 2018 over five days.

"Everyone can keep track of what we are up to and how we are fighting back through our Facebook page, which is called 'Phil Stephenson's MND Fundraising Fight Back.'"