A BORO footballing legend has been announced as the new patron motor neurone disease charity following the death of Ali Brownlee.

Bernie Slaven has been involved in the Mike Findley MND Fund for a decade but the former striker will now be at the forefront of the charity.

Mr Findley, who founded the charity in 2005 when he was diagnosed with the condition, was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to raising funds and awareness of motor neurone disease.

He said: "I’m pleased to announce that Boro legend Bernie Slaven has agreed to be the new Patron of the Mike Findley MND Fund following the sad passing of Alastair Brownlee. Bernie has been a great help and support in raising awareness and funds for MND, in 2006 along with Ali he helped with our successful charity football match against the cast of Emmerdale, which was played at Marske United FC’s stadium for three years, attracting over 2,000 supporters each year.

"Since my fund was launched in September 2005 it has raised, to date, £166,570.35, towards research and helping local people suffering with motor neurone disease, plus buying equipment for the MND Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital, also we like to help Teeside Hospice, who have given a lot of help and care to MND sufferers.

"I’m so grateful to our small band of volunteers plus, the tremendous support given by so many people over 11 years."