Tributes have been paid after ex-Blackburn, Hartlepool, Bury, Burnley, Swansea player Lenny Johnrose dies age 52 from MND.
It is sadly confirmed that the much loved former footballer, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017, passed away on Monday morning.
Supporters, former teammates, staff members and clubs have been sending in their condolences and best wishes to Len’s family & friends.
We are so sad to report that our friend & former colleague Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
The former Burnley, Blackburn, Hartlepool, Bury & Swansea player was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017.
We send our condolences & best wishes to Len’s family & friends. pic.twitter.com/QGw9CiaLsQ
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) August 15, 2022
Johnrose began his career at Blackburn Rovers as a young trainee, and also spent time on loan at Preston North End. During these spells he impressed to a level where he was signed for £50,000 by Hartlepool United. He went on to make over fifty appearances for the club, scoring eleven goals in the process. At the end of his contract, he was signed by Bury manager Stan Ternent who wanted to add some toughness to his central midfield.
Len’s football career started at Blackburn Rovers, where he signed schoolboy forms at the age of 14.
After making his debut while still an apprentice, he signed his first professional contract, in 1988.
He made over 40 appearances before he made the switch to Hartlepool United.
Financial difficulties at the club meant that Len was sold less than 2 years later to Bury FC. Success was soon to follow in the form of two successive promotions before a move to fellow North West club, Burnley saw him experience a 3rd promotion in 5 years.
After being transferred to Swansea City, Len scored the 3rd goal in a 4-2 victory against Hull City on the final day of the season, a result that maintained their league status and ultimately became the springboard to future successes.
Len finished his footballing career back at Burnley FC, having made 500 league and cup appearances, scoring 50 goals.
After retiring from football in 2004, Len worked as a fitness coach at Leeds United Football Club. He had a brief spell working at a children’s home before moving on to a local charity in Preston, helping cardiac patients.
Whilst playing football, Len completed a Sports Science degree, and went into further education during his spell at the charity; this time to qualify as a primary school teacher. After 6 successful years, he was forced to retire following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
A Fightback Fund is a powerful way to join the fight against MND. It brings friends and family together with one goal – beating this terrible disease.
Every pound raised from the Fightback Fund will help make more cutting-edge research happen, whilst helping to care for more people, living with MND, TODAY!
Donate on Len’s fundraising page by clicking HERE.
He spoke about his battle, and his life living with motor neurone disease, sitting at home and talked through the aid of a gridpad, a device which is programmed with recordings of his own voice and also allows him to control his television and lights.
“I’m not too bad actually. I keep expecting to suddenly hit the wall but I feel pretty good,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
Johnrose banked his voice before his symptoms got worse, allowing him to have a conversation but via a screen which then plays what he has to say.
“Those who know me know how important it is for me to be heard. For a while that was really difficult,” he continued.
“You only record a few words and the technology does the rest. The advances in technology mean it can now be done much faster.
“I did it in about 40 minutes and obviously hoped I’d never need it.”
Johnrose spoke about his diagnosis to BBC Radio Lancashire in 2018, a year after finding out talking about the disease and how it felt when told how debilitating it is.
“I’m certainly aware of little changes, mainly to do with movements and getting comfortable. But I really think I’ve been comparatively fortunate,” he said.
“My mind is as positive as ever. I’m still aware that I might die at any time. But that would be the case irrespective of having MND. So yes, things have changed. But I don’t really think about them.
“I’m more concerned with the constant saliva and constant constipation – but there you go, could be worse.”
Football can be a bittersweet thing to enjoy, not least for someone like Johnrose, who had an illustrious career across the Football League.
But, with four of Lancashire’s clubs congregating in the Championship this season – Preston and Blackpool are also in the second tier alongside his former sides Burnley and Blackburn – is he looking forward to the upcoming season?
“I actually can’t believe I’m saying this but I really can’t wait,” he added. “That’s what mental health issues have done to me. I actually started watching and enjoying football and now even miss it.
“So as gutted as I was relegated to see Burnley [from the Premier League]it’s made things more interesting.”
Since being diagnosed with MND, he worked closely with the MND Association to raise funds and awareness of the disease.
In 2018, after revealing his diagnosis on BBC Radio Lancashire, two lifelong friends set up The Len Johnrose Trust to help Len achieved his goal to raise awareness, and to live as full a life as possible.
Len had been happily married to wife, Nadine, since 2001, and had three children – daughters Chanel and Elizabeth, and son Patrick.
JOHNROSE’S CAREER
Senior career
1988-1992 – Blackburn Rovers
1992 → Preston North End (loan)
1992-1993 – Hartlepool United
1993-1999 – Bury
1999-2002 – Burnley
2002 – Burnley
2002-2003 – Bury
2003-2004 – Swansea City
2004 – Burnley
As mentioned, tributes were paid after the ex-Blackburn, Hartlepool, Bury, Burnley, Swansea player dies age 52…
@rach_lee1996x: Such a brave and remarkable man right to the end, rest in peace Len Johnrose
@Keithclubline: Really gutted to see Len Johnrose has passed away. A true warrior on the field, and such a nice man off it. Every time we spoke he had a big smile on his face and you would always feel better after than before. Massive condolences to his family and I hope he gets the send off he deserves. RIP lens
@TonydaTaff: RIP Len Johnrose, once a Jack always a Jack
@BurnleyFanzine: Awful news. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time. His book is an inspirational read, too.
@turf999: So sad. Brave brave man. He was a legend on and off the pitch. RIP ❤️
@JohnBlackley3: Rip @LJohnrose. One of my idols growing up watching my team Bury. A warrior on the pitch and in how you dealt with MND. Condolences to your lovely family.
@shatster: An utterly selfless and brave human being. Right to the very end he was always the pinnacle of positivity and humour. RIP Lenny and shine bright pal
@DanteEl76774432: To most of you, Len could have been a football idol. But for me he was so much more, he was the best teacher I’ve ever had, and really helped shape me into the person I am, he literally helped me learn right from wrong. My sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him
@Gaznclairemott: Absolutely gutted , RIP Lenny you were my sons inspiration during the time you taught him, he still uses your advice to this day during his games . A true football legend on and off the field ⚽️ thoughts are with your family at this devastating time 💙
@KarenBlade15: Incredibly sad. 😥 So many young sports men are linked with MN. I hope science can research why. Thoughts are with his loved one. 💝
@yarwoodD: Such sad news. RIP Lenny. Condolences to family and friends. A great man and an inspiration for others.
@avllclowl: So sad to hear this shocking news. MND is so cruel. You have been courageous and remained in good spirits to the end. Thinking of your family and friends at this terrible time. RIP Lenny. Thanks for the memories xx
🌹 Everybody at Morecambe Football Club is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Len Johnrose.
Len visited the #Shrimps in early 2020, as part of Project 92, to raise awareness of MND.
RIP Len, our thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones. ❤️#UTS 🦐 pic.twitter.com/6NNYB4qt7Q
— Morecambe FC (@ShrimpsOfficial) August 15, 2022
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former player Len Johnrose.
Len passed away on Monday 15th August, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this very sad time.
You’ll always be a Claret Len ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TC3c3PcAus
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 15, 2022
We are heartbroken to tell you that our leader, Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
Len was an incredibly proud husband and father.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. pic.twitter.com/698okfFdOE
— Len Johnrose Trust (@TrustLen) August 15, 2022
🤍 Everyone at Preston North End is saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Len Johnrose.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #pnefc pic.twitter.com/bqFVTVYIsy
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) August 15, 2022
