YORK CITY Knights is to stage a special charity masters game in aid of two brave siblings - and it’s a real family affair.

Seven former players will be lining up for the charity match, including former forward Darren Crake and his three brothers, John, Mark and Stuart.

They are aiming to raise money for their sister, Claire, and her children, Beth, 23, and Leo, 11, both of whom suffer from the rare Juvenile Huntington’s Disease (JHD).

Darren said: “This is a thing that runs through our family.

“My sister’s husband passed away from Huntington’s a few years ago and now both Beth and Leo have it - though it skipped their brother Bradley.

“We’ve got a very big family and we all got together and looked at ways we could help.”

Other Knights legends reliving their former glories on the field alongside Darren and his brothers are Darren Callaghan, Mark Cain, Lea Tichener, Chris Hopcutt, Andy Gargan and Mike Embleton, as well as former York Acorn ARLC player Nic Caldwell.

The York rugby league community also hopes to raise awareness of JHD, which is diagnosed before the age of 21 and is caused by a faulty gene.

Young people with Huntington’s often experience a very

different range of symptoms than those with the adult form of the illness, including being more likely to experience muscle contractions and stiffness, and they may also develop epilepsy.

This can make life extremely challenging for a young person, both physically and emotionally.

Darren said: “There’s a whole host of people behind the scenes and I’d like to say a big thanks to everybody.

"It is much appreciated.

“It should be a great day and it’s important to raise awareness as well as money.

“We just want [Beth and Leo] to live the best life they can.

“My sister is a brave girl. She’s taken it all in her stride.

"She’s tough.”

The charity match will take place at York Acorn rugby

club on Sunday, September 16, and kicks off at 1.30pm.

The family fun, which includes a raffle, a tombola and an auction, as well as a barbecue and other children’s entertainments, starts at 12 noon.

Use #TeamBethAndLeo and #WeAreYork on social media to show your support.