FORMER Bury FC star Lenny Johnrose has revealed he is battling motor neurone disease.

Johnrose, who was instrumental in the Shaker's rapid rise from the fourth to the first division in the 1990s, has spoken for the first time about with the brain and nerve condition in a candid and heartfelt interview.

The 48-year-old former Shakers' midfielder was given the MND diagnosis after initially receiving treatment for symptoms believed to be connected to a head injury he sustained doing summersaults whilst working at a school.

Johnrose told the BBC: "Obviously it transpired that wasn't the case and after a number of tests it was finally confirmed last March that I have motor neurone disease."

During the interview Johnrose spoke of how, as he waited for detailed test results to come back, he turned to researching on the internet, as he and his wife were both worried about what might be wrong with him.

Speaking about the diagnosis he said: "When we found out we both broke down, but it wasn't like the world's biggest surprise."

In the wake of Johnrose's revelations members of the sporting, football and wider communities have come out in support of the former soccer star, praising his bravery.

Bury FC trustee Keith Maddock tweeted: "Just read about Lenny Johnrose and his fight with Motor Neurone Disease. In all the times I spoke to him or even saw him at Bury he had a big beaming smile on his face. No doubt he will do the same with this disease. If he could 2ft it away he would. An integral member of a great team. One of Bury's finest."

And BBC Radio Lancashire's Andy Bayes tweeted: "Nothing but enormous respect for Len. The way he is dealing with his illness really is courageous. He’s extremely realistic about the future and deciding to tell the public about having #MND is designed to help others who are going through it too."