WITH the diagnosis of former rugby league international Rob Burrow with motor neurone disease, the illness has been put under the spotlight in rugby league circles.

For two brothers from St Helens, who play in the amateur game, it is a cause particularly close to their hearts.

Jordon and Andrew Morris, from Haresfinch, lost granddad Stephen to MND on September 12, 2019.

Stephen had been diagnosed with the disease a few months before he passed away last year.

With all the awareness over MND over the past year since former Leeds player and international Rob Burrow's diagnosis, Jordon and Andrew, who play at Pilkington Recs, decided to do their bit for the cause.

They are to take on the Three Peaks challenge and have begun selling shirts and 'hoodies' with all proceeds for the MND charity.

READ > 2 million watch Rob Burrow: My Year with MND

"It is something that is close to our hearts and with what is going on now with Rob Burrow's case and we play rugby ourselves," said Jordon, 22, who formerly played at Haresfinch.

"My brother Andrew started playing at Salford and Workington.

"We are going to be doing the Three Peaks Challenge and we are also selling jumpers and tops and all the money is going to the charity.

"When our granddad got diagnosed he said he'd like to watch us play again and he came down to watch both of us."

Stephen also left behind wife Janet and children Phil (dad of Jordon and Andrew); Colin; Kevin and Catherine Cooil.

Their efforts have already attracted the backing of figures in the professional game after they set up social media accounts to boost their cause.

"It has got more than 300 followers on Instagram," added Jordon.

Matty Smith is getting us a signed shirt from Widnes, Josh Eaves is getting some Saints ones and Mikolaj Oledzki, the forward is getting a Leeds one and Harvey Livett.

With Rob Burrow it is something the game is very aware of right now.

"I didn't think it would be going so big, we had sold 30 to 35 orders (by Monday) after starting on Sunday. People are ordering them.

"The word is getting out there and it's even got to Australia.

"I have just been blown away and it means a lot, especially with the rugby lads, it shows what the rugby community is like."