King of the pool Adam Peaty is backing the cause of a brave man battling a fatal disease by selflessly donating the swimming cap he wore when he became world champion.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferer Nick Brittlebank is paralysed from the neck down and could die any day.

But he is spending his remaining days raising money for the MND Association, which provides vital support to sufferers and their families.

Nick Brittlebank, a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferer from Uttoxeter, with wife Sue at their home
Nick Brittlebank, a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferer from Uttoxeter, with wife Sue at their home

Nick is gathering items for a charity auction and contacted Adam through a mutual friend to see if he could donate anything.

To his delight, the 22-year-old world record holder sent the cap in which he won the World Championships in Budapest earlier this year – as well as his official Team GB tee-shirt from the Rio Olympics, when he won gold in the pool.

Former builder Nick, from Uttoxeter , said he was touched by the Olympic, world and European champion’s generosity.

The Lark Rise father of one said: "For someone who doesn't know me to give something like that away that must be so precious to him speaks volumes.

"It has given me great strength knowing that people will help – and they don’t even have to be people you know.

"He’s obviously a really caring guy and a nice person. He could have easily said, 'there are other causes I need to support', but he saw fit to help me, which is amazing.

"It also shows he’s not forgotten where he comes from and still cares about people in his home town."

Peaty winning gold in Rio
Peaty winning gold in Rio

Adam said: "I chose to support Nick and his family as it's important to me to give back to people wherever possible and help others in times of adversity."

Nick, father to 11-year-old Ryan and husband to 48-year-old Sue, could now be in the final stages of his illness.

It attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord and there is no cure. He was given just months to live in October last year and has already surpassed his life expectancy. But the 46-year-old refuses to give up and is now focused on helping the MND Association.

Nick needs a ventilator to help him breathe
Nick needs a ventilator to help him breathe

He said: "The way I see it, you've got two choices – you either give up, or – although it might be an unfortunate turn of phrase – put one foot in front of the other and carry on.

"My diaphragm is going now and I'm on a ventilator most of the time, including when I eat. But I just take it one day at a time. Every day is a bonus and something I wasn’t expected to have."

Nick may have lost his mobility, but certainly retains his sense of humour.

He said: "To be honest, what's worse than anything at the minute is the weather. I can’t go out in my electric wheelchair in the rain."

Aside from Adam’s cap and tee-shirt, Nick has items including an England football shirt signed by all-time record scorer Wayne Rooney and former striker Michael Owen.

He will auction the prizes on a date yet to be announced.

Adam Peaty, who grew up in Byrds Lane, Uttoxeter, is the best breast stroker of all time and holds the 50m and 100m world records.

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