The mum of a Bolton Wanderers player has told how a fundraising campaign is keeping her going after being dealt the "truly shattering" news she has Motor Neurone Disease.
Karen Jones, 56, who has worked as a midwife for the NHS for 30 years, was diagnosed with MND in July of this year, North Wales Live reports.
Wanderers have since announced plans to host a charity match and black-tie dinner to help raise vital funds, as Karen is the mother of current right back Gethin Jones.
READ MORE : Bolton Wanderers arrange charity match for treatment of Gethin Jones' mum after MND diagnosis
Gethin has supported his mum since she received the news, along with his dad Gareth, and siblings Dylan and Ela.
The club will stage a dinner in the prestigious Lion of Vienna Suite at the University of Bolton Stadium at 7pm on November 13, followed by a match between Wanderers’ first team and Wanderers All-Star XI on Sunday November 14.
Karen has also launched a fundraising appeal and is aiming to raise £250,000 and be "instrumental in finding a cure."
She said: "The one thing that keeps me going, no matter how low I feel, is focusing on the fundraiser.
"Moving forward towards our goal gives me hope."
There is currently no cure for Motor Neurone Disease, which can cause muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing and can progress rapidly.
The family is determined to give Karen the best possible treatment, which will mean a trip to the United States to receive life-lengthening treatment, not currently available in the UK.
Husband Gareth said: "When we got the diagnosis it was truly shattering, it felt like the end of everything, but you have to pick yourself up and keep going.
"Karen has dedicated her life to helping people so now it's her turn to get back some of the good she has put out into the world.
"MND won’t define Karen Jones, she will define it."
Another ex-Wanderers player Stephen Darby was diagnosed with MND in 2018 and has been supporting the family with Karen's diagnosis.
Following his own diagnosis, Darby co-founded the the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, which will receive a quarter of the proceeds from the Jones family fundraiser.
Last week, Darby joined ex-rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir at Downing Street to deliver a petition for £50 million of funding for research into the disease
Karen is described by her family as "the life and soul of the party" and the local community have rallied around the family to show their support.
Alongside Wanderers' fundraising efforts, the family have a number of fundraising events in the pipeline in their native North Wales to help them reach that all-important goal, including a Fun Day at Porthmadog Football Club, and a sponsored walk from Penrhyndaedreath.
You can find out more information about the events and donate to Karen's fundraiser here.
