Steph Houghton and Stephen Darby (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Steph Houghton opened up about husband Stephen Darby’s deteriorating health due to motor neuron disease (MND), sharing their hopes of still becoming parents despite the challenges.
Steph Houghton, former England Women’s captain, has shared a moving update on her husband Stephen Darby’s battle with motor neurone disease. The ex-Liverpool and Bradford City defender was diagnosed with MND in 2018—just three months after marrying Houghton—and forced to retire from football at the age of 29.
Now 36, Darby has lived with the degenerative condition for more than six years. Speaking to ITV ahead of a charity walk for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, Houghton shared how their lives have changed dramatically and emotionally.
“How do you ever describe the changes that we've had as a family? It's so hard to see your husband who had so much promise in his football career. To see that being taken away from him—but also the simple tasks we take for granted—being able to walk, being able to have food, being able to get up the stairs,” she said.
Houghton, who retired last year after a decade at Manchester City, said she and Darby are still hoping to become parents: “It was always a dream of ours to be parents one day, and that’s still possible. It’s something we’ll always continue to speak about.”
Ongoing fight for hope and awareness
Houghton has used her platform to urge greater support and investment in MND research and treatment: “We are so desperate for that cure. We are so desperate for money to be put into research to allow families to have that little bit of hope.”
She added, “I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I have the best days, because I don't. But I love him to absolute bits, and I know he’s as strong as ever. He’s willing to fight this for as long as possible.”
The couple continue to raise awareness and funds through the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, which Stephen co-founded alongside British Forces veteran Chris Rimmer. Supporters will walk 178 miles this weekend—starting at Wembley and visiting 26 football stadiums—to raise funds for MND support and research.
Darby himself raised £130,000 last year in a similar challenge, marching from Anfield to Bradford City’s Valley Parade alongside fellow MND sufferer and ex-footballer Marcus Stewart.
In a December 2023 Instagram post, Darby shared the impact of MND on his body, revealing he can no longer use his hands or arms to break a fall due to muscle weakness. Despite the setbacks, the couple continue to inspire many through their strength, unity, and public advocacy.