Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow calls government to account over motor neurone disease

Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND last December, is self-isolating, along with his wife and three young children.

The government’s guidance on coronavirus has not included MND sufferers in its list of extremely vulnerable individuals, who are being contacted by letter, though they can self-register.

Those on the list include organ transplant recipients, people with specific cancers, pregnant women with a heart condition and individuals suffering from severe respiratory conditions.

The government advises anyone who is at high risk to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least 12 weeks.

It also offers support including help with food, shopping deliveries and additional care.

In a statement on its website, the MND Association said: “We are extremely concerned to see that people with MND have not been included in the government’s list of extremely vulnerable persons in their guidance on shielding and protecting vulnerable persons from Covid-19.”

Burrow, who is one of the most high-profile sufferers, feels people in his situation are being put at risk and should be entitled to help from the authorities.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, the seven-time Super League Grand Final winner said: “I think it’s important people with the condition are labelled high-risk because our immune system is constantly fighting the disease.

“Should we come into contact with Covid-19 we may not recover.”

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. It is a terminal illness with no known cure.

Burrow has continued in his role as Rhinos’ reserve team coach since his diagnosis.

He retired as a player at the end of 2017 and then spent two seasons in charge of Rhinos’ under-19 academy side.

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