Steph Houghton Husband Illness: What Illness Does Steph Houghton Husband Have?
by Priyanka P
Updated Jul 28, 2023
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Steph Houghton Husband Illness
Steph Houghton, the England defender, has been facing emotional challenges due to her husband's illness. Her husband, Stephen Darby, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease shortly after their marriage in 2018. Motor neurone disease is a rare and debilitating condition that progressively damages the nervous system, leading to various physical and neurological difficulties.
Since Darby's diagnosis, Houghton and her husband have been trying to make the most of their time together and cherish every moment they have. However, his illness has added an extra emotional burden for Houghton, especially when it comes to her football career and the selection process for the England national team.
Houghton has been a key player for Manchester City and the England national team for several years, but under new manager Sarina Wiegman's leadership, breaking back into the Lionesses' squad has proven challenging.
Before the European Championships, Wiegman had specific requirements for Houghton's return after she recovered from an Achilles injury. However, these demands included rehabilitation sessions that were far from Manchester, where Houghton's husband required her support and presence.
Despite her concerns about leaving her husband during such a difficult time, Darby encouraged Houghton to do whatever was necessary to regain her place in the squad. Unfortunately, despite her efforts and impressive performances in club football, Wiegman did not include her in the squad for the European Championships, leaving Houghton deeply disappointed.
The disappointment continued when Houghton was once again left out of the squad for the Women's World Cup, despite injuries to key players and her return to form on the field.
The emotional toll of her husband's illness combined with the disappointment of being excluded from the national team took a heavy toll on Houghton, making her feel as though her international career with England was effectively over.
Despite this difficult situation, Houghton has continued to support her teammates from home during the World Cup, while choosing to spend quality time with her husband in Ibiza instead. The couple intends to cherish every moment together and live a normal life for as long as they can despite the challenges posed by Darby's illness.
Steph Houghton's story is a poignant reminder of the personal struggles and sacrifices that athletes often face behind the scenes. It highlights the complexities of balancing personal life and a demanding sports career, especially when dealing with serious health issues of loved ones.
Houghton's strength, resilience, and commitment to her husband and her career serve as an inspiration to many, showing the importance of compassion, understanding, and support during challenging times.
Steph Houghton Husband
Steph Houghton's husband is Stephen Mark Darby, an English former professional footballer who played as a right-back. The couple got married on June 21, 2018. Darby's football career began at Liverpool, where he played in the youth ranks and was part of the winning team in the Liverpool FA Youth Cup in 2006.
He went on to have loan spells at Swindon Town, Notts County, and Rochdale before joining Bradford City in 2012.During his time at Bradford City, Darby was a key player, helping the team reach the final of the 2013 Football League Cup. He made over 200 appearances for the club and served as the captain for two seasons.
In 2017, Darby signed a two-year contract with Bolton Wanderers but had to retire from professional football at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a rare and debilitating condition that affects the nervous system.
Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Darby did not let it define him. He set up the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, which aims to provide support for families affected by motor neurone disease and fund research for a cure. His dedication to raising awareness and providing assistance to others facing the same condition has been commendable.
Darby's relationship with Steph Houghton, the captain of Manchester City Women and a former captain of the England women's national team, has been a source of strength and support for both of them. Houghton has been with Darby every step of the way, offering love and understanding during his health struggles.
The couple's bond extends beyond their personal lives as well. Steph Houghton has been actively involved in advocating for motor neurone disease awareness and supporting the foundation set up by her husband. Their combined efforts have contributed significantly to raising awareness about the disease and providing much-needed aid to affected families.
Throughout their journey together, Steph Houghton and Stephen Darby have shown the power of love, compassion, and unity in facing life's challenges. Their story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the strength of character and resilience they both possess in navigating difficult circumstances.
Together, they have made a meaningful impact in the football community and beyond, showing that the power of human connection and support can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Who is Steph Houghton?
Steph Houghton, whose full name is Stephanie Jayne Darby (formerly Stephanie Jayne Houghton), is an English professional footballer who is widely recognized for her remarkable contributions to women's football. Born on April 23, 1988, in Durham, England, Houghton has made a significant impact on the sport both at the club and international levels.
At a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.74 meters), Houghton plays as a centre back for Manchester City, one of the leading teams in the Women's Super League. Her skills and versatility have made her an essential part of the team, where she wears the number 6 jersey.
Throughout her career, Houghton has achieved numerous accolades and honors for her excellence on the field. Notably, she was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her outstanding services to football. This prestigious honor reflects her dedication and impact in promoting and advancing women's football.
Houghton's abilities and leadership qualities have also been evident in her role as a key player for the England women's national team. With her defensive prowess and tactical understanding of the game, she has been a reliable and influential figure in the team's successes.
Her journey in football has not only earned her personal recognition but has also inspired countless young players and fans across the globe. As a role model in the sport, Houghton's determination and passion have helped raise the profile of women's football and break barriers in a historically male-dominated field.
Steph Houghton's commitment to the sport and her achievements as a centre back for Manchester City and the England national team have solidified her status as one of the top players in women's football. Her story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, talent, and dedication, motivating aspiring footballers to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the beautiful game.
Name
Steph Houghton (formerly Stephanie Jayne Darby)
Age
35
Date of Birth
April 23, 1988
Profession
Professional Footballer
Place of Birth
Durham, England
Height
5 ft 9 in (1.74 m)
Position(s)
Centre back
What Happened to Stephen Mark Darby?
Stephen Mark Darby, a former English professional footballer, faced a life-altering challenge in his football career. As mentioned earlier in the chat, Darby played as a right-back for various clubs, including Liverpool, Swindon Town, Notts County, Rochdale, Bradford City, and Bolton Wanderers.
Tragically, in September 2018, just three months after marrying his wife, Steph Houghton, the captain of Manchester City Women and the former captain of the England women's national team, Darby announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 29.
The reason behind his early retirement was the diagnosis of motor neurone disease, a devastating condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system and has no cure.The diagnosis of motor neurone disease was a profound blow to Darby and his loved ones.
The disease affects the body's motor neurons, leading to a gradual loss of muscle function and mobility. It can significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and poses immense physical and emotional challenges for both the individual and their family.
Despite facing such a difficult and heartbreaking situation, Darby did not let the diagnosis define him. Instead, he used his platform and influence to create a positive impact and provide support to others affected by the same condition.
He set up the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation to fund support for families dealing with motor neurone disease and to contribute to research efforts aimed at finding a cure for this debilitating illness.Darby's determination to raise awareness and support others facing motor neurone disease was met with admiration and respect from the football community and beyond.
Throughout his career, he displayed resilience and strength, qualities that became even more evident in the face of his health challenges.Darby's story and the foundation he established inspired football clubs and fans to come together in fundraising matches and events to contribute to the fight against motor neurone disease.
His impact extended beyond the field, as his foundation offered hope and assistance to families dealing with the difficulties of the disease.While the journey for Stephen Mark Darby has been incredibly challenging, his courage and dedication to supporting others facing motor neurone disease have left a lasting legacy.
His actions exemplify the power of turning personal struggles into forces for good, uniting communities and inspiring individuals to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What Disease Does Stephen Mark Darby Have?
Stephen Mark Darby has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Motor neurone disease is a progressive and incurable neurological condition that affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) responsible for controlling muscle movement. As the disease progresses, these motor neurons degenerate and die, leading to a gradual loss of muscle function and mobility.
The symptoms of motor neurone disease can vary from person to person but often include muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, muscle cramps, and twitching. As the disease advances, individuals may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing, making everyday tasks challenging and affecting their quality of life.
In the chat, it was mentioned that Stephen Darby announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 29 due to the diagnosis of motor neurone disease. This diagnosis was undoubtedly a devastating blow for Darby and his loved ones, as motor neurone disease is a severe and life-altering condition.
Despite facing such a difficult and challenging situation, Darby used his platform to raise awareness about motor neurone disease and provide support for others affected by the condition. He established the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, which aims to fund support for families dealing with motor neurone disease and contribute to research efforts for finding a cure.
Motor neurone disease remains a complex and devastating condition, with no known cure at present. However, the determination and advocacy of individuals like Stephen Mark Darby, along with the efforts of researchers and medical professionals, continue to shed light on the disease and offer hope for future advancements in treatment and care.
The impact of motor neurone disease extends beyond the individuals diagnosed with the condition, affecting their families, friends, and the wider community. Through his foundation and the support of the football community, Darby's legacy continues to provide aid and compassion to those dealing with the challenges of motor neurone disease, offering hope and support in the face of adversity.
Steph Houghton Husband Illness - FAQs
Steph Houghton's husband's illness is motor neurone disease.
Steph Houghton, also known as Stephanie Jayne Darby, is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Manchester City and the England women's national team.
Stephen Mark Darby, a former professional footballer, announced his retirement at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a progressive and incurable neurological condition.
Steph Houghton married former Bradford City defender Stephen Darby on June 21, 2018.
Steph Houghton's husband, Stephen Darby, set up the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation to fund support for families affected by motor neurone disease and to contribute to finding a cure.