Former Rovers and Clarets star Lenny Johnrose has died aged 52.

The midfielder was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017 and has been spreading the word about the illness ever since.

Since his diagnosis, Lenny worked with the MND Association to fundraise and bring more awareness of the condition.

Len visited clubs including Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley to talk to the players about the disease and potential links with the profession.

Two of his friends set up The Len Johnrose Trust to help him achieve these goals as well as to help support him and his family.

A spokesperson for the organisation tweeted: "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."

 

A statement from Burnley FC reads: “We're saddened to hear of the passing of former player Len Johnrose.

“Len passed away on Monday, August 15, 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 “

While Blackburn Rovers said: “The thoughts of everyone at Blackburn Rovers are with Lenny Johnrose's family and friends, following his passing.”

Ex-Man City star Paul Lake added: “So saddened to hear of Lenny Johnrose’s passing. He played for Burnley FC when I was first-team physio and was a total diamond.

“Great work ethic, very strong character and a lovely man to be around.

“My sincere condolences to his friends and family.”

The MND Association has also paid tribute to Johnrose.

They said: “Len lived with this brutal disease in the public eye after choosing to announce his diagnosis in the summer of 2018.

"Following that he selflessly dedicated huge amounts of time to raising awareness.

“Len’s infectious smile, sense of humour, pragmatic approach to life and determination to do everything he could to work on behalf of people with MND made him a very popular figure within the MND community. He will be sorely missed.

“We would like to pass our sympathies to Len’s wife Nadine, his three children Chanel, Elizabeth and Patrick, his family and friends, and also our gratitude for their unwavering support.”

The association’s director of external affairs Chris James added: “I clearly remember the summer of 2018, when Len Johnrose first spoke about being diagnosed with motor neurone disease and his story immediately gained national TV coverage and newspaper headlines.

“Len helped us in almost every area of our work, responding positively to every request and invitation, and giving his time to help both nationally and locally as a patron of the Central and East Lancashire Support Group.

“We are incredibly grateful to him and his family for all their help over the years, and we will continue to support Len’s family as they deal with this very sad news.”

Starting his career aged 14 at Blackburn Rovers, Lenny made 42 appearances for the club before moving on.

During his career, he also appeared on the pitch for Burnley FC on more than 80 occasions, as well as Bury for nearly 200 games.

Away from the game, he was a teacher at St Silas CE Primary in Blackburn for a number of years. Teachers and pupils there were fundraisers for MND research.

Len has been happily married to wife Nadine since 2001 and has three children, daughters Chanel and Elizabeth, and son Patrick.