2025 marks 25 years since Lucy Pittaway lost her father, Willie Maddren, to motor neurone disease.

Willie was a much-loved figure in the North East — a former Middlesbrough FC player and manager, and a true club legend. After being diagnosed with MND in 1995, he dedicated his final years to raising awareness and funds for the fight against the disease. His efforts, including the publication of his autobiography Extra Time, helped raise over £200,000 for research and support.

To honour his memory and continue the work he began, Lucy and her team have announced a year-long fundraising partnership with the MND Association. 

Throughout 2025, staff across the Lucy Pittaway business will be taking part in various activities to raise money for the charity.

Central to this campaign is the launch of a brand-new artwork, “Up the Boro”, created by Lucy. The piece — a celebration of her father’s beloved Middlesbrough FC — will be sold to raise funds, with 100% of proceeds from the sale of the original painting being donated to the MND Association.

“Up the Boro” will also be available as prints, canvasses and a range of merchandise, with contributions from those sales also going towards the cause.

For Lucy, this is a deeply personal project. The anniversary of losing a loved one is never easy, and reaching the 25-year mark brings a particular weight. Through this campaign, she hopes to honour her dad’s legacy, celebrate his connection with the Boro community, and raise vital funds for people currently affected by MND.

The MND Association supports individuals and families living with the condition, funds crucial research, and campaigns for better access to care. All money raised through this partnership will go towards their ongoing work to find treatments, improve support, and move closer to a cure.

As a business, we’re proud to support Lucy in this important campaign, and we hope it inspires others to get involved — whether by purchasing the artwork, donating via our JustGiving page, or simply helping to spread awareness.

This project is a tribute to a remarkable man, and to everyone affected by MND today.