Leeds Rhinos: Jonny Bairstow joins fund-raising effort for Rob Burrow as donations climb above £150,000

Rob Burrow scores against St Helens in the Super League Grand Final.

Bairstow, currently on tour in South Africa, is a Rhinos fan and friend of Burrow, who revealed last week he has been diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease.

The cricketer is auctioning a signed England Test shirt and commented on social media: “It was desperately disappointing and upsetting to hear the news about Rob and his diagnosis.

“I watched Rob throughout his career and we spent a lot of time together at Headingley. The courage and strength he showed over such a long career is a testament to himself, his family and friends and we know he is going to fight this battle with the exact same determination.”

Rugby league stars offering personal items for Burrow’s fund include St Helens’ Louie McCarthy-Scarbrook, Wigan Warriors’ Oliver Gildart, Hull FC’s Scott Taylor, Sam Tomkins of Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants’ Jermaine McGillvary, Leigh Centurions’ Liam Hood and former Australian international Matthew Johns.

Online donations for Burrow – through virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robburrow – passed £150,000 by midday today.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s testimonial game against Bradford Bulls at Emerald Headingley on Sunday, January 12, will also be a benefit for Burrow with receipts being split between the two former Leeds players.

Bulls have pledged to donate their share of the gate to Burrow’s fund and more than 5,500 tickets have already been sold.

Jones-Buchanan said: “It has been a tremendous show of support for Rob and his family at an extremely difficult time.

“Throughout his career Rob was one of the most courageous players to ever go on the field and I think that has been recognised by fans from every club and people from every sport in the country.

“I know it will be a great boost for Rob and his family to see the support he has received and on behalf of him I would like to thank everyone for their generosity. It would be great to have a sell out crowd at Emerald Headingley on January 12.”