Stephen Darby - Monumental Moments & Shirts

Football fans from across the country have been encouraged to come together in a campaign to reunite Stephen Darby with memorabilia from his distinguished footballing career. This forms a critical element of our fundraiser to provide financial support and awareness to help #SmashMND.

Every Swindon Town fan can remember and recall where they were and how they felt on the night of Monday 17th May 2010.

Swindon, having led in the League One Play-Off Semi-Final versus Charlton Athletic had traveled to South East London for the second leg to seal a place at Wembley.

Having initially blown a slim 2-1 lead and been reduced to ten men, Town equalised on aggregate and forced a nail-biting extra-time and excruciating sudden death penalty shoot-out.

Town scored all four of their penalties - Charlton missing one of theirs - and it was left to 19-year-old Stephen Darby... who - facing a barrage of noise and distraction from the packed home end - stepped up and drilled his spot-kick low into the bottom right-hand corner of the Charlton goal.

Swindon were there... and Stephen Darby did it!!

There is not a single Town fan - or football fan per se - who has not been touched by Stephen's story since. Stephen called time on his football career at just 29 years old following his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in 2018.

Stephen continues his battle against this cruel, presently incurable disease with his characteristic bravery and humility.

On the evening of Saturday 8th Jan 2023, I was made aware that a football shirt collector had Stephen's priceless shirt from that 2010 Play Off Semi Final with Charlton professionally framed and up for sale.

On behalf of all Swindon Town fans, we have secured the shirt from the owner who has now donated it to our fundraiser FREE OF CHARGE.

We arranged for it to be immediately returned to Stephen Darby and his family who have confirmed it is back in Darbs’ possession.

All monetary proceeds go directly to Darby Rimmer MND in their battle to raise awareness and funds for MND research.

We are delighted to confirm that Stephen's former clubs including Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale will also be providing their support to Stephen and his family via this campaign and we encourage their supporters to help provide them with comfort and support.

Having never met Stephen in person, my team and I could not think of a better way for all Swindon Town fans and indeed those of his former clubs to say thank you to him for so many memorable moments. Indeed, hopefully providing Stephen with plenty of smiles and encouragement as he continues to lead his and his family's battle with MND.

Please donate whatever you can afford, spread the word and share this page far and wide.

Best regards and thank you.

Hanners

On behalf of The Sir Tom Broadbent Lounge (#TSTBL)

A Swindon Town Twitter Space