Former Wales winger Jason Bowen diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Bowen operated as a winger and was capped twice by Wales, making his international debut in a friendly against Estonia in 1994 and then playing in a 7-1 defeat by the Netherlands two years later.

He also featured for Swansea, Birmingham, Southampton, Reading, Cardiff and Newport before ending his senior career 10 years ago at Welsh League side Llanelli.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up for Bowen, which states the 50-year-old was diagnosed with MND in March 2021 "after feeling weakness and twitching in his arm".

A statement on the page added: "When we first discovered that Jason had MND tears were shed, anger expressed, and a feeling of total and utter despair set in.

"However, despite such negative emotions and experiences, these past 18 months since diagnosis have also shown us the power of positivity, friendship, love and community as friends, family and colleagues have all pulled together to help.

"Jason's family's attitude is amazing. They are strong, loving and supportive. They are not giving up and (are) looking for any treatments that will help Jason now and in the future.

"The main objective of our fundraising is to provide financial support to cover Jason's ongoing medical costs. These include holistic treatments, supplements, daily living aids, hydrotherapy and specialist neurophysiology at the wonderful Morello Clinic in Langstone.

"This will also enable us to explore new avenues to help Jason and his family."

Rugby league great Rob Burrow is also currently battling MND, while former rugby union player Doddie Weir died last November six years after being diagnosed with the incurable disease.