None of us knows what might happen even the next
minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust.
Because we have Faith.”


Phillip Byrne, would never of claimed to be a man of faith. Until a life changing illness was diagnosed in August 2012.

Born and bred in Salford,Phil the eldest of two boys and son of Phillip and Carole, was always an energetic and loving child. Initially growing up in the Seedley area of Salford.Phil alongside his younger brother Paul would often play sports with his childhood friends ,and future international league stars Adrian And Chris Morley,Phil Cousins and League player come celebrity Kris Smith

Phil attended Buille Hill high school, a drop kick away from The Willows. It was as Teenager that lifelong Salford City Reds Supporter Phil started playing League and was soon picked up by Salford academy under Kevin Tamati. Phil stayed at Salford until later he joined amateur clubs Woolston Rovers and latterly Bank Quay,Langworthy, Eccles and Folly Lane.

Phil was always in employment working for Safeline,Protec Fire detection and later as a self employed engineer. Phil became proud father too Natasha in 2000, and Ruby in 2010.

Everything appeared to be perfect until Phil noticed that he had started to lose strength in his muscles.

As Phil explains "I started to get cramps in my hands and twitches in my arms.

"Six months later it had spread to my whole body."

Due to these noticeable changes, Phil made an appointment with his GP for answers.
Initially doctors informed Phil and Debbie there was nothing to worry about, firstly miss diagnosing the relatively unknown and benign Issac's Syndrome. Unfortunately Phil continued to suffer significant muscle wastage in both his arms and eventually after further tests doctors confirmed the worst. It was August 2012 that a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease was finally made.

Phil a gentle,humorous and private man declared the diagnosis as "being hit with a sledgehammer," Despite still trying to deal with the news of his diagnosis, Phil has continued to fight this cruel illness every step of the way and in September last year, in front of a small gathering, married Debbie, mother of Two year old Ruby at Salford Registry office.

Unfortunately there is no known cure for Motor Neurones Disease and despite following various health improving lifestyle changes and undertaking endless hours of research most hope was lost, until Phil came across information about an alternative therapy only available in the USA.

American cardiologist Dr Yurkovsky claims to be able to cure MND with an alternative therapy called Field Control Therapy, not available on the NHS.

Due to the rapid decline in Phil's health, it is essential that we can provide Phil with his wish of flying to New York to be treated by Dr Yurkovsky.

Phil's family and friends have decided to rally round and under the guise of "The Phil Byrne Project" a number of fundraising events are scheduled in the hope that enough funds can be raised to not only ensure Phil can fly to America for this therapy but also enough funds to ensure adaptations can be made at the family home to Improve Phil's quality of life.

The Fundraising calendar has already begun,Donations and support has been receive online via The Phil Byrne Project page on Twitter ( @Fight4PhilMND)

Saturday 20th April when a fundraiser and auction night will be held at Lower Kersal Social Club

Saturday 18th May is the Sponsored Salford to Blackpool bike ride

Sunday 26th May -Salford Sevens Tag Rugby League

The Rugby League family continues to come together and to help their former Teammate,various teams from the Amateur League network will be participating in a rugby sevens tournament.

For further information or to donate/Purchase tickets for the above events please contact any of the PBP committee-
Tammi Allen: 07508587776
Roy Thickett: 07939060531
Louise Woodward-Styles: 07456444336

Twitter @MsCityRedGirl / @Fight4PhilMND