Leeds Rhinos fan to shave 'precious' beard for motor neurone disease after being moved by Rob Burrow's story

Dad-of-two Ryan Thomas, 36, has been growing his "precious" beard for six years and will give it the chop to raise money for the MND Association charity.

Ryan, from Rothwell, has met his hero after matches at Headingley Stadium and said Burrow was a "really genuine bloke".

He was brought to tears watching BBC documentary Rob Burrow: My Year with MND and said he "had to do something" after hearing of Burrow's struggles with the illness.

The Rugby League legend has been recognised in the New Year's Honours list for his services to Rugby League and the MND community.

His illness, which was diagnosed 12 months ago, has created national headlines and led to a huge increase in donations and enquiries to the MND Association.

Ryan has joined hundreds of others in fundraising for the charity and has already raised more than £750 in donations, as he prepares to shave his beard on January 18.

Ryan said: "I watched the documentary and when you see him outside of rugby, behind the shirt, you just see a dad with three kids.

“He’s about my age, with kids a similar age to my two girls, so it really got to me.

“I was in bits watching it and I said to my wife that I had to do something. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for the whole week."

Ryan has previously completed charity half marathons but knee problems have left him unable to run.

Determined to raise money in any way he could, he suggested shaving his beard to his wife and the idea was backed by his friends, who suggested going one step further and shaving his head too.

Ryan's two daughters, aged three and five, have never seen their dad without a long beard.

"It will be a shock for them!", Ryan added.

"Everyone knows how connected I am to my beard and how precious my hair is to me. I’ve now had donations from people I don’t even know which is incredible.

"A few Rhinos players have liked and shared the campaign on Twitter and the MND Association have got behind it.

"Rob is a top bloke and if I can help him and his family in any way, I will."

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