Boy with genetic illness captures heart of sports stars and celebrities

A 6-year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder has captured the hearts of celebrities like Bradley Wiggins and Ant and Dec.

Jack Johnson suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that may cost him his life, prompting his parents to do all that they can to find a cure.

On Saturday, rugby fly-half Owen Farrell gave a public show of support to the little boy by putting his forefingers together after he scored a try against Italy.

Farrell is the newest addition to the long list of sports stars and celebrities who have made the sign to support Johnson's campaign dedicated to finding a cure.

Bradley Wiggins performed the same gesture in 2012 after he won the Tour de France. The gesture represents the initials of Joining Jack, the charity that was set up to raise funds for research for the condition.

Tim Henman, former British number one tennis player and Olympic gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hills, broadcaster Claire Balding, diver Tom Daley, presenters Ant and Dec and stars from Coronation Street and Emmerdale are just some of the high-profile personalities supporting Johnson's campaign.

Johnson was first diagnosed with the disease in October 2011. He was previously described by his mother as a typical boy, but his condition has made it impossible for him to keep up with his friends, especially as his leg muscles grow weaker, according to the Daily Mail.

In order to help him walk, Johnson may be required to wear leg braces by the age of 10, but even then, the dystrophy will spread to his arms and neck, eventually leading to complete paralysis. If untreated, he may have to be kept alive by a ventilator.

As of late, no cure for the disease has been discovered.