Ex-Leeds United stars to play in fundaising match for Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow

Former Leeds United players are set to play in a fundraising football match for Rob Burrow.
Rob Burrow pictured at Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial in January 2020.Rob Burrow pictured at Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial in January 2020.
Rob Burrow pictured at Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial in January 2020.

Darren Powell’s team The Kews will play another charity team called Rory's Rovers at Ossett United's ground next month.

The match - which is sold-out after 400 tickets were bought within 48 hours of going on sale - will kick off at 1.30pm on Sunday November 15.

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Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow, 38, of Pontefract, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December.

The Kews fundraising football teamThe Kews fundraising football team
The Kews fundraising football team

Ex Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is set to play in the game along with former United player Ben Parker.

Also due to play are ex Manchester City player Lee Crooks, former Norwich City star Oli Johnson and Andy Holdsworth, formerly of Huddersfield Town.

Professional boxer Dalton Smith is another name on the team sheet along with Coronation Street actors Liam Bairstow and Ryan Prescott and X Factor contestants Jack Walton and Ellis Lacy.

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Darren Powell said: "This is going to be a very special day but also emotional at the same time

Daren PowellDaren Powell
Daren Powell

"I am a Leeds Rhinos fan and have watched Rob from the stands home and away and he's blown me away over the years with his massive heart and great all round play.

"He's a legend and always will be and I want to raise lots for him and raise lots of awareness for MND."

The Kews played a team called Luke's 11 in Sandal, Wakefield, on World Mental Health Day - Sunday October 11.

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They raised £400 for Andys Man Club, the men's mental health peer support group charity.

The Kews raised £500 for three-year-old Ellis Price of Horbury during a charity match v Hall Green United in August.

Ellis, who was suffering from terminal brain cancer, lost his fight for life on Sunday September 20, 12 days after his family held early Christmas day celebrations for him.

Mr Powell , of Kettlethorpe, Wakefield, travelled to the Whites’ home and away matches with Michael Kew, before Mr Kew lost his cancer battle aged 40 in April 2015.

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After his friend’s death, Mr Powell vowed to raise £100,000 for charities and good causes in his friend’s memory.

So far he has raised more than £65,000 for a number of causes by organising charity football matches involving The Kews.

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