IMAGINE gradually losing control of your muscles and the ability to do things you once did. This is what happens to people with motor neurone disease, a group of diseases where the nerve cells controlling the muscles enabling movement, speech, breathing and swallowing, fail to work normally.

With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste.

This week is Motor Neurone Week, and Friday is Cornflower Blue Day.

The disease is close to the heart of Wests Tiger John Morris whose father, John ``Slim'' Morris, was diagnosed with it in August 1997 and died in 2002.

The five-eighth attended the launch of Motor Neurone Week last week where he was joined by NSW Governor Marie Bashir, patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association NSW.

``It was very informative to hear of the wonderful research Professor Garth Nicholson and his team from the Anzac Research Institute at Concord Hospital are doing and just how much still needs to be done,'' Morris said. ``I've seen what motor neurone disease does to a person and the impact it has not only on them but family and carers. I'm very proud to help the Motor Neurone Disease Association and through the support of my family and Wests Tigers, will continue to raise awareness.''

There is no cure for motor neurone disease but research is being done across the world and progress is being made, said association family support manager Gina Svolos.

``Some people get wasting of the muscles in their hands, legs, voice or throat,'' she said. ``The condition is different for each person and it progresses through the body. People can die in two to five years with the average life of 25 months after first symptoms. The mind generally remains unaffected it's pretty devastating because people can deteriorate quickly.''

Wests Tigers players will donate some proceeds from their dinner on Friday, May9, 6.30pm for 7pm, at Balmain Leagues Club, to the Motor Neurone Foundation. Tickets: $80 ($750 per table of 10), includes two-course meal, drinks. Details: Taylor, Wests Tigers, 87413300. Motor neurone disease merchandise will be sold next week: see mndnsw.asn.au