The former rugby captain was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2011.

Former Springbok captain Joost Van der Westhuizen is heading to the US to participate in clinical studies in connection with his MND diagnosis.

As Stephen Hawking turns 70 this week, scientists are baffled how he has managed to survive so long with such a crippling disease.

It is a tragedy that it takes a sporting hero to be struck down by a life-threatening disease to create public awareness of the condition.