Snooker becomes 'therapy' for player with MND

A snooker player with a rare form of motor neurone disease (MND) says competing in the sport has become "therapy" for him and makes him "feel alive".

Nigel Brasier, 56, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, was diagnosed in 2013.

He has competed at numerous World Disability Billiards and Snooker events around the world.

Brasier said: "When I was diagnosed, I didn't know if I'd sink or swim. Somehow, I found myself floating. I want to show people that, even with a horrible diagnosis like MND, you can still live well in the time you have."

Brasier, a former Sunday league footballer, said he first started to notice his usual reactions "weren't there" during a match.

After seven years of appointments and tests, he was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) - a slower progressing form of MND that affects mobility.

When he received the news, he said he felt "absolutely numb".

"I didn't know if I was going to live or die. I had to work out how to tell my wife and my three kids. My whole life changed that day.

"What I had at the time was rare, so it took longer to diagnose. There's still a lack of knowledge and understanding, but particularly then.

"They gave me a leaflet and told me it was a form of motor neurone disease. The only person I knew who had it was Stephen Hawking. This was before Doddie Weir or Rob Burrow. That's when I broke down."

Brasier, a lifelong fan of snooker, said, at a club in Boston, Lincolnshire, he met fellow disabled player Joe Hardstaff who encouraged him to start competing at World Disability Billiards and Snooker events.

"I walked into my first tournament in Northampton and spent more time looking around than playing.

"People with one arm, wheelchair users, players who couldn't see or hear well. It was inspiring. I lost in the quarter finals, but it didn't matter, I was hooked."

Brasier, who has coined the nickname The Brave, has gone on to compete at various events around the world - including the 2025 World Disability Snooker Championships, where he finished runner-up in the Challenge Cup final.

"Snooker has become therapy as much as competition. It helps me focus, and makes me feel alive.

"Disability snooker is one massive family. Everyone looks out for each other. People call me inspirational, but I didn't choose this path, it found me."

He said he could not do it without the support of his wife and children.

As well as competing, Brasier has raised more than £25,000 for MND causes.

He said he was always searching for sponsors to ensure he can keep playing.

Brasier is taking part in Doddie Aid 2026, an exercise challenge which raises money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, set up by the late rugby legend and MND campaigner Doddie Weir.

He said: "Doddie lived with the same disease I have. His attitude – not accepting his MND diagnosis, standing up, and making something happen – that inspires me."

Brasier encouraged anyone to take part.

"You don't need to climb mountains," he said.

"A mile round the block or a few steps between snooker shots – it all counts."

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