Rugby league hailed for reaction to Rob Burrow documentary about life with MND
RUGBY league fans have been hailed for the ‘unprecedented support’ as Rob Burrow’s story has been seen by more than THREE MILLION people and resulted in more than £70,000 worth of donations.
The Leeds legend highlighted what life with motor neurone disease is like in a documentary as it is robbing him of his ability to walk and talk.
But that has not stopped him going all out to raise awareness of the condition – and SunSport can reveal the huge viewing figures and that fans donated an 'incredible' £27,500 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association through a text-to-donate line alone.
There may also be more to come as it remains open and will do for some time yet.
Burrow’s courage was highlighted in Rob Burrow: My Year With MND, which aired in the run up to Leeds’ 17-16 Challenge Cup final success over Salford.
And as the MND Association put it: “The rugby community, led by the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Leeds Rhinos, was compelled to respond.
“As a result, in line with the wishes of Rob and his family, the MND Association has received donations of more than £70,000, as well as seeing record numbers of visits to its website - a more than 3,000 per cent increase on final day compared to the previous Saturday.
“And it’s not just ‘on the day’ support being offered. 169 people have signed up to donate regularly to the MND Association and dozens have pledged to follow in the footsteps of Rob’s wife Lindsey and tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money.”
All money will be used in the fight against MND - to provide more care and support, raise further awareness and to fund research to lead to more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.
And the MND Association’s director of external affairs, Chris James, said: “The support we have seen, thanks to the coverage of Rob’s story, has been unprecedented.
“Millions more people are now aware of MND and understand so much more about this brutal disease thanks to Rob and his family sharing their story so openly.
“The amount donated in his name in such a short space of time is testament to his standing within the game but also the spirit he has demonstrated since his diagnosis with MND last December.
“We, along with everyone in the MND community, are so incredibly grateful for everything he and those around him are doing which will make such a difference to the 5,000 people in the UK who, like Rob, are living with MND today.
“Our gratitude also goes to the RFL and the Leeds Rhinos for their part in securing this fantastic support for the Association.”
*THE Rugby Football League set up a text-to-donate service with Rob Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association as he tries to raise further awareness of the illness. Text MNDROB to 70085 to donate £7 – texts cost the £7 donation plus one standard rate message.
