More than 100 people took part in the annual event at Pannal Golf Club in aid of Melorheostosis Association UK, a Harrogate-based charity which has set itself a target of raising £500,000 to accelerate research into one of the world’s most baffling bone disorders.

The former Bradford Bulls star – among the most successful players in the sport’s history - performed the traditional Maori dance before his signed rugby shirt came under the hammer at an auction conducted by David Moor of Feather, Smailes and Scales.

Other auction items which bolstered the final amount included a Tony and Cherie Blair-signed Monopoly board; autographed memorabilia from Grand Prix stars Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Webber, and former Yorkshire and England cricketer Chris Silverwood; as well as a round of golf for four at Pannal Golf Club.

Harrogate businessman Andrew Carnell, one of fewer than 20 known sufferers of the disease in the UK and founder of the charity, said: “Thanks to the generosity of those businesses and individuals who supported the day, we have been able to take another major step towards helping researchers find a cure for this complex disorder.

“The £15,000 we raised more than doubled the amount collected last year – an amazing feat by all involved.  Every penny raised will be channelled into helping the UK’s best doctors carry out ground-breaking research work.”

Melorheostosis (Melo) is a rare and crippling bone disorder. It is characterised by surplus, abnormal bone formation, which, on x-ray, makes bones look as though they are coated with melted candle wax or dripping honey.

Although Melo has been diagnosed in only about 120 cases worldwide, it is estimated that as many as a million people may have the disease. With so few case studies to work with, scientists and doctors are struggling to establish patterns in order to find the cause, optimum treatment and ultimately a cure.

The winner of the golf day was a team from Cardale Stockbrokers, of Harrogate 2nd Prize went to accountants Tennant Land & Partners, Harrogate and 3rd Prize, Yorkshire Bank.  A prize went to John Hamilton of Hamilton’s solicitors of the “Player most likely to improve”