Gloucester Rugby star Ed Slater honoured for inspirational MND campaigning

Former professional rugby player Ed Slater has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by University of Gloucestershire in recognition of his distinguished rugby career and his inspirational work raising awareness and support for those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Ed played for Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby, earning caps for England Saxons and captaining the senior squad during their 2014 tour of New Zealand.

Known for his leadership, resilience and determination on the field, he earned the respect and admiration of team-mates, fans, and opponents alike.

Following his diagnosis with MND in 2022, Ed retired from professional rugby and has since become a powerful advocate for the MND community.

Receiving his Honorary Fellowship today at one of the University’s 2025 Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at Cheltenham Racecourse, Ed said:

“I am extremely proud to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship from University of Gloucestershire, an important institution to so many people.

“I moved to the area after changing from Leicester Tigers to play for Gloucester, without realising how the county would become our real home as a family, the place where we would make so many friends and fall in love with the surroundings. 

“I took my responsibility for representing Gloucester in the best possible way, very seriously, and now I am trying to give back to the community through fundraising and awareness for MND after my diagnosis in 2022.

“Thank you to everyone at University of Gloucestershire for this recognition and I look forward to continue contributing to this wonderful community.” 

Presenting the award at the University’s 2025 Graduation Ceremonies at Cheltenham Racecourse, the University praised Ed for his leadership, resilience, and impact beyond sport, describing him as “an inspiration to students, particularly those within our School of Sport and Exercise Sciences.”

Ed launched the 4Ed campaign, supported by family, friends, and the wider rugby world, to raise awareness of MND and funds to support people and families living with the condition.

The campaign has organised several fundraising events, including a sponsored bike ride in which Ed and his former team-mates covered 350 miles in just 24 hours.

On the pitch, the 745 Game – a hybrid charity match bringing together rugby union and rugby league legends – has been held at both Headingley and Kingsholm. The game is named in honour of Ed, Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND in 2024, and Doddie Weir, who died from the condition in 2022.