Leeds Rhinos legend Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019. He has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about the disease. On Friday, January 1, Eorl Crabtree, who played for Huddersfield Giants, Andy Kelly, who played for Wakefield Trinity and Hull, and Danny Seal and his daughter Beth, took a dip in the freezing cold Royds Hall Dam in Bradford to help raise awareness.
7.
In those living with MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste and those affected may lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and ultimately to breathe.
8.
MND affects everyone differently and not all symptoms will affect everyone or in the same order.
9.
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 charity.
10.
Rob was made a an MBE for services to rugby league and the motor neurone disease (MND) community in the 2021 New Year’s Honours.
11.
“It is truly humbling to be awarded the MBE and I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible,” Burrow said.
12.
Burrow paid tribute to his “team mates, coaches and opponents throughout my playing career”, adding: “They shaped me into the man I am. The way the rugby league community has come together over the last 12 months to support me and my family speaks volumes about how special our sport is.”