Rob Burrow backs £5m charity appeal to build MND centre in Leeds

Drew Darbyshire
Rob Burrow at Leeds v Huddersfield

Rob Burrow has backed a £5million charity appeal to a build a motor neurone disease centre in Leeds.

A state-of-the-art care centre of excellence for those living in Leeds is the latest fundraising appeal from Leeds Hospitals Charity as they announce a plan to raise £5million to build The Rob Burrow Centre for motor neurone disease.

Burrow has spearheaded a number of fundraising efforts for MND since being diagnosed with the disease in late 2019.

The Leeds Rhinos legend now plans to support the creation of a centre of equal standards that will benefit many more people living with this disease.

Burrow said: “Imprisoned in the brutality of MND, my vision is that people diagnosed with MND hear the news in a calming and tranquil sanctuary.

“I envisage a beautiful, welcoming building that is user and family friendly. A place where patients feel comfortable to bring family members into a safe and homely environment for them, with signs of hope and optimism.

“For carers of those with MND it is important to know that their loved ones are in the best possible place. Something every MND sufferer and their families deserve. Although the news won’t be any better, it will be easier to come to terms with in a purposely built care centre that meets the needs of every MND patient.”

The Leeds Rhinos Foundation have been the first to pledge £50,000 in support of the charity’s appeal.

The charity hopes that thanks to donations, this purpose-built centre will transform the hospital experience for people with MND, their loved ones, and the NHS staff caring for them.

To make a donation to the appeal and find out more through Leeds Hospitals Charity’s website – https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/pages/category/mnd-centre-appeal

Burrow made 493 appearances for Leeds during his illustrious playing career, scoring 198 tries. He won 20 caps in total for Great Britain and England.