Burrow and Sinfield raised more than £15m for MND charities and Lawrence is planning fundraising events of his own.

He says the voices of sports stars affected by the disease can continue to help raise awareness and help others in the same situation.

“I was aware of MND through Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow, with all their publicity, and high-profile people like Doddie Weir. Did I ever think that would be me? No, never,” Lawrence said.

“I have spoken to Kevin and he was a great help. He offered me and my wife support and contacts, even arranging for us to speak to Rob Burrow’s wife.

“That was really good of him. He is a remarkable human being for what he has done. We have to give a voice to other people who are not high profile and are struggling.

“If you can help one person to get through it, that’s great.

“Sportsmen and women have a strong attitude, we overcome obstacles in our life, have different goals.

“This is the toughest one but we will find a way to get through it. We are fighters and we have big hearts and big spirits.

“We are up for the fight. We may not win the fight but we are up for the fight.”