Glen wants his dad Paul to be able to do ‘as much as he can’ before his condition worsens
Paul Hartley, left, who is living with MND, at a walking football tournament in February 2026(Image: supplied image)
The son of a Hull man living with MND hopes a forthcoming walking football (WF) tournament will be a positive platform for raising awareness of the disease, as well as helping to boost a funding pot to create “nice memories” for his dad. The event, taking place on Saturday, May 16, at Cottingham Sports Centre (HU16 5QW), is due to be attended by teams from inside and outside the county – and Glen Hartley’s dad Paul, 67, will be aiming to play on the day.
The tournament is being organised by East Riding Rangers WF and follows on from a previous WF event, held in February and hosted by Cottingham Rangers WF. Paul himself was a noted walking footballer and won goalkeeper of the tournament in Chesterfield in 2024 at the IWFF World Championships, three months after his initial symptoms became apparent.
Paul was able to get in goal at the February tournament and is hopeful of being able to do the same this coming Saturday, at the event which is to take place from noon until 4pm, and will include teams from West, South and North Yorkshire. It is free for spectators to attend and all are welcome, with refreshments being available and a raffle being held.
Glen, 34, said: “One thing we’re keen to do is to raise awareness of all the different types of MND – there are 27 of them. My dad was formally diagnosed as having Bulbar MND in August 2025.”
Paul’s first symptom was the slurring of the odd word in December 2023. In April 2024 his speech suddenly became much worse and he attended A&E, where it was suspected he had suffered a stroke, and was sent for an MRI.
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“The results were negative,” Glen said. “It was noticed he had a droopy eyelid and he was referred to Neurology.
“He was originally diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in July 2024. Since his diagnosis, his journey has taken a lot of twists and turns – he was told they couldn’t rule out MND but only time would tell – and unfortunately he has had to face his worst fear.”
Bulbar MND has affected Paul’s speech and he uses a talking device to communicate. Glen said: “There have been instances in the past where people have been quite rude to Dad as they thought he was being aggressive – his voice is limited to mostly grunts now – even when he was wearing his lanyard explaining his condition and asking people to be patient and polite.
“Bulbar MND affects primarily the throat and neck but it can spread to other parts of the body as it progresses. Fatigue is a big part of the illness, too.
“While initially it only affects bulbar muscles, swallowing and speech, individuals may develop weakness in their arms and legs. For now, my dad is trying to keep as active as he can while managing his fatigue and symptoms.”
Paul still works part-time and drives with a medical licence as well as playing the sport he loves – walking football – when he can. Glen said: “I have opened a GoFundMe page for my dad as people have expressed an interest to raise money for him specifically, enabling him to help create nice memories and go towards adaptions/alternative therapies for the future.”
The family have already been able to tick off some of Paul’s wish-list, including stadium tours of Wembley, Crystal Palace and Hull City; visits to Ted Lasso film locations and a Spitfire experience is booked. “We were lucky enough, my mum, dad and me, to meet Kevin Sinfield at Hull City Hall, and Dad with his iPad was able to give Kevin a message.
“Kevin’s an amazing person, and he’s just so humble. It was inspiring.”
Glen said: “East Riding Rangers, Cottingham Rangers and more from my dad’s walking football community have organised tournaments to help fundraise, we thank everyone who has been a part of those.” Glen is planning a number of challenges, including cycling to and from a number of ice hockey venues, another sporting interest shared by son and father.
He has also secured a place in the 2027 London Marathon and welcomes support for Paul through the GoFundMe page for that.
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