Community Rallies Behind Inspirational Workington Man Living with Motor Neuron Disease
A fundraising poolathon is set to take place in Workington this July in support of local resident Craig, whose courage, determination and positivity continue to inspire everyone around him following his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Now living in Workington with his wife, Louise, Craig was born in Carlisle and is a proud father to Rebecca (28), Leo (19) and Mikey (5).
Craig’s achievements throughout his life have been remarkable. At just 17 years old, he became a golf professional and went on to enjoy a successful career as a PGA professional at Brampton, St Anne’s, Eden and Keswick Golf Clubs. In 1999/2000, he played a key role in building and opening Whitehaven Golf Club, adding another significant accomplishment to an already impressive sporting career.
Away from golf, Craig has always demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. An accomplished pool player, he later turned his artistic abilities into a profession, becoming a professional tattoo artist in 2015. His artwork has attracted widespread admiration, with many pieces selling successfully and becoming highly sought after by collectors.
In December 2024, Craig was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy Motor Neuron Disease after first experiencing symptoms around 19 months earlier. Since then, he has lost his speech and now finds eating and drinking extremely difficult. He is due to undergo surgery in the near future to help manage these challenges.
Despite the devastating impact of the disease, Craig’s spirit remains unbroken. His humour, bravery, determination and pride continue to shine through every day. Although his condition will inevitably deteriorate, he refuses to let it define him. He continues to compete at a high standard in both pool and golf, creates breathtaking artwork and has even taken up skateboarding.
Speaking about the support he has received through the local pool community, Craig said:
“I joined the Cons Club team last year and what a great decision that was. Due to being diagnosed with MND, my confidence had been shattered and I very quickly became housebound and reluctant to socialise. Then my friend Stuart Robertson mentioned the team he was in and I came along. What a great group of people, warm and welcoming, who made me feel normal again.
“There were tough times as my problems progressed, but joining the team was a light in the dark that I needed. Now Stuart Robertson has organised a Poolathon, which is fantastic.”
To support Craig and his family, his long term friend Stuart Robertson will undertake a 24 hour Poolathon at the Conservative Club in Workington, beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, 17 July.
Stuart is inviting members of the public to take part by challenging him to a game in either 30 minute or one hour slots. A minimum donation of £10 is requested from participants. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support the event through donations via Stuart’s JustGiving page.
The fundraising effort aims not only to provide support for Craig but also to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease and the devastating impact it has on individuals and families.
Organisers hope that by sharing Craig’s story, more people will learn about the disease and be inspired by the extraordinary resilience and positivity he continues to show in the face of immense challenges.
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