Hi all,

We both enjoyed great careers in Rugby League and owe a lot to the sport - this is our chance to put something back.

Calling time on our careers  was not easy for either of us but our problems were put into sharp perspective before Christmas when news broke that Rob Burrow had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. It's a horrible condition and one we know all too well: we lost our dad, Mark, to MND back in 2007.

Rob may not be the tallest bloke to ever play Rugby League but he's a giant of a man who never gave less than 100 per cent on the field. His diagnosis with MND is too cruel. 

The RL family have been brilliant in raising money for Rob and his family and now that we're retired, we are perfectly placed to do our part.

In May, we'll be joining the brilliant charity Rugby League Cares on the UK Red Empire State 500, an epic off-road cycle ride from Niagara Falls in the US to the Big Apple. 

Leaving Niagara on Sunday May 3, we'll spend the next six days covering 500 miles through the state of New York, following the Erie Canal, Iroquois River and Appalachian trail on my way to Manhattan. 

It's going to be tough but with your support we'll get through it - every dollar I raise will be split between Rob Burrow and RL Cares, the sport's official charity in the UK who do such a fantastic job looking after player welfare and supporting people across the RL community when they most need it. 

Please give what you can and show your support for the riders on the Empire State 500 - and more importantly, Rob Burrow and Rugby League Cares.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.