In January 2021 George Melling was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and now his friends are rallying together to raise money to help him fight it and be well enough to walk down the aisle at his wedding this summer.

George, who has played centre half for Blackpool FC, Morecambe, Altrincham, Leyland Town, Kendal, and his home team Coppull, was diagnosed with the life-limiting condition last month.

He first started noticing symptoms last year when his muscles started twitching, however multiple tests came back clear.

In August 2020 his speech began to slur, and he was referred to a neurologist at the Royal Preston Hospital where he was diagnosed with MND.

There are several fundraising events that will be going ahead over the year. The next challenge that will be undertaken is the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a 24.5 mile trek with a 1500m ascent on Saturday 12 June.

The team will then be taking on a massive 140 mile coast to coast bike ride challenge both to be completed on July 9 2021. I know lots of people are already doing their bit in the background to support him.

The latest news updates in your area can be seen below

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

This funding raised will be used to support George and his family to deal with the adjustments needed going forward and also to make some great memories.

A percentage of the money raised will also go towards to charities, the MND Association and The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, where George is working with one of Europe’s top neurologists by Professor Shaw.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so on the Go Fund Me website.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines