Kiama lawn bowler Andrew Anstey has turned his television game show debut on the ABC’s “Hard Quiz” into a way to raise funds and awareness for a life-threatening illness.

Anstey was featured on a recent episode of the popular game show where he squared off against three other contestants and was questioned on a specialty topic near and dear to his heart: lawn bowls.

But since the episode’s filming in November, Anstey’s life and priorities have changed dramatically.

In July, Anstey was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) which affects the nerves in the brain, eventually causing weakness in the muscles and paralysis.

Anstey believes he had begun to show slight symptoms a year ago but initially wrote these off as natural shortcomings as a result of ageing.

“The recommendation I have is don't ignore it,” he said.

“And also, it's not an old person's disease. It strikes people at any age from their 20s all the way through to their 80s.

“And particularly for older people, you're starting to think ‘yeah, I'm slowing up’ … Maybe you are, but also there may be something more insidious.”

Anstey says since his diagnosis, he has realised how prevalent MND is within the Kiama community.

Researchers have yet to find a cure and its low profile and lack of awareness in the general public continues to be a point of concern.

Research organisations such as Fight MND Australia and resources such as the book “Fighting Fate” by the late Wollongong Professor Justin Yerbury have been instrumental in Anstey’s journey.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Anstey has a lot to be grateful about, noting immeasurable support from his wife Maureen, son Glenn, and daughter Carla, as well as his comrades at Kiama Bowling Club - Ted, Doug, Garrie and Wayne.

“Everybody has been outstanding. And you don't know your mates and what they're capable of until you need some help. … Being Aussies and being blokes, we're sometimes reluctant to put our hand up for help. One of the bravest things I've ever said in my life was ‘help’,” Anstey said.

Ted McGinness hatched a plan to celebrate their friend’s upcoming TV appearance and also platform for the organisations dedicated to researching MND.

The result was a fundraiser at the KBC where patrons viewed Anstey’s ‘Hard Quiz’ episode and also took part in raffles with the proceeds going to MND research and initiatives.

Prizes included a dozen eggs from Ted’s chicken, an autographed 2011 bottle of AC/DC wine, and a cricket bat signed by Anstey’s grandson Tex.

The night was a roaring success with over 100 people in attendance and more than $1000 raised.

Anstey is looking forward to more opportunities to advocate for MND awareness. In the meantime, he urges others to visit their GP if they think they have any symptoms.

“The more research it goes into, the better chance of finding a cure,” he said.