‘Without her, I’d do nothing’ – Former footballer Jason Bowen pays tribute to his wife in an emotional MND update.
On the 9th of February 2023, it was announced that Bowen has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, but since then, he says the symptoms of his degenerative disease are “gradually getting worse”.
The 53 year old says he’s now losing the use of his legs, arms and voice, with there currently no cure for MND, which is a debilitating and usually life-shortening condition that affects the brain and nerves.
Ex-Swansea, Birmingham, Reading, Cardiff, Newport player, 50, diagnosed with motor neurone disease
He said a few years ago: “The last couple of years, it’s just my hand just gradually getting a little bit worse, you know, I struggle to do like little things like buttons and things like that, you know.
“I know further down the line that things might get a bit more difficult for me, but, you know, I’ll meet the med on and, you know, give it as best as I can, you know.”
In his latest update, he said: “Yeah, fine. Just things are progressing a little bit more. Losing use of my legs and my right arm’s getting a bit weaker.
“My voice, as you can tell, some things gradually getting worse. Then walking, evening.”
“The clubs have been, I’d say, amazing. You know, they always are asking me to go to games and things like that, but I’m finding it a bit difficult with the days and stuff like that. So, you know, I can’t do that anymore.
His wife, Hayley, who knows the effects of MND, after her mum, Beryl, died of the same disease.
She said: “My mum only lasted two years with it. She had a really fast progressing one which attacked her sort of mid waist to her neck, her head. So it was really, really awful.
“But thankfully, Jason’s has been slow progressing. We’re into our fifth year next month. I spend a lot of time crying in the car, but you have to get on with things.
“You can’t be in that doom and gloom sort of mindset every day. It’ll be too difficult and I can’t get out to that then I’m in there, so I tend to just keep going. And as long as I’m fine, it rubs off on him.”
Jason adds: “Without Hayley, I wouldn’t know. It’s tough for me to talk about her. Because without her, I wouldn’t be able to do anything, really.”
HIS CAREER
1990–1995 – Swansea City – 124 games (26 goals)
1995–1997 – Birmingham City – 48 games (7 goals)
1997 → Southampton (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
1997–1999 – Reading – 15 games (1 goal)
1999–2004 – Cardiff City – 134 games (34 goals)
2004–2008 – Newport County – 149 games (48 goals)
2008–2013 – Llanelli – 115 games (13 goals)
Total – 588 games (129 goals)
International career
1992–1993 – Wales U21 – 5 games (1 goal)
1994–1996 – Wales – 2 games (0 goals)
Social media users gave their reaction and sent their love after the former footballer Jason pays tribute to his wife in an emotional MND update…
Jackie Duffy Smith: It’s heartbreaking, we just need that cure 🙏 hate this wicked disease with a passion. Sending love, strength and prayers from one mnd family to another ❤️
Chris Scratch Clark: Love to you both we loved him at Newport county as my mates uncle used to call him TMIAFG THE MAN IS A FREKIN GENIUS always there for a chat after game such a fantastic human much love xxx
Angela Rowlands: Bless his heart he is so brave and he is so lucky to have you and your gorgeous sons and grandson . Sending lots of love and hugs your one amazing lady Hayley Bowen xxxxx
Kat Howells: You are such an amazing family Hayls ❤️❤️ sending you lots of love and strength xxxx
Lisa Marie French: What a touching interview 🥹 You as a family are amazing I’m thinking of you all always 💙 xx
Llinos Iannetta: Sending you, Jason and your boys all our love ❤️ a horrific disease. Xx
Emma Watkins: Big love to you both. Hayley you and Jason are such an inspiration to many. ❤️ xxx
Amanda Parry: Thinking of you both and all your family sending lots of love and hugs 🥰🥰🥰 xxxx
Jo Anne Butler: Sending love to you both! Your strength and love shows so much ❤️xxx
Julie Williams: You are both so brave. Sending love, hugs and strength xxxx
Nicola Davies: You’re an incredible couple and a beautiful family XX Sending all the love to you all. So much love from all of us 💜💜💜
Ria Davies: Sending lots of love and strength to you all! Keep fighting Jason 💙🧡 xxx
John Hodge: What a guy unbelievable strength you both have love to you all 💪❤️🙏
Sharon Elizabeth Rumble: Heartbreaking xx so brave and your amazing with how strong you are right by his side Hayley xx ❤️
Ffion Pirotte: You’re an amazing support system Hayley Bowen ❤️ so privileged to know and love you and your family xxxx
Eleanor Boucher: Aww so heartbreaking… Such a wonderful family… Known Jason since was a young boy … Friends with his Mam Louise for years… Also Hayley since a little girl.. her Mam Beryl was also my dear friend.. So sad that Beryl also suffered with this awful illness too… Praying for the family…xx 🙏💕
Jakko Brouwers: Thank you so much for raising awareness of MND and sharing your story. We will always have your back ❤️
Sarah Salter: You are incredible being so strong for everyone ❤️ always here for you and sending love to you all xxx
Michelle Burrows: Hayley Bowen Jason is my golden balls always has been always will be and you both make a complete team . The most beautiful humans and I have Nicola Evans to thank for bringing you into our lives . Loves you both all the world and more xxxx
Alison Manship: Inspirational you are Hayley and Jason, so strong and amazing spreading awareness. A beautiful couple and family . Sending love and strength to you all xx
Karen Lockett: Omg this had me in tears. He is your hero and you are his guardian angel , by his side always. Truly amazing. I am so sad Jason is going through this but happy he has you by his side. Stay strong as you are stronger together. Sending you so much love ❤️ x
Lorna Christoffersen: Sending love and strength to you all, you are such a strong and beautiful family and an inspiration to all. It’s so very sad knowing you are all dealing with this awful disease, stay strong and I hope the love you are surrounded by helps you through each day xx