Six people are diagnosed with the disease, which attacks the nerves which send messages to the muscles, each day in the UK.

The 47-year-old former England forward announced in October that he was suffering from the incurable and life-limiting illness.

The 555-mile cycle set off from Belfast on Sunday in memory of the late Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir.

'The loveliest lady you could ever meet'

The England Rugby defence coach is raising money for motor neurone disease.