#RunforRob

A number of friends from Rothwell Harriers & AC based in Rothwell, Leeds are undertaking the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on the 14th May 2023 in support of MND and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals, who aim to raise £5m to build the The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, spearheaded by the Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow and his family.

Rob Burrow, who played for Leeds Rhinos, has courageously shared his story of motor neurone disease since he was diagnosed at the age of 37 back in December 2019 and he and those close to him have raised the profile of the condition beyond all expectations.

With motor neurone disease, known as MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Some people also get changes to their thinking and behaviour, but the disease affects everyone differently. Not all symptoms will affect everyone, or in the same order. Symptoms also progress at varying speeds, which makes the course of the disease difficult to predict.

MND is life-shortening and there is no cure. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life. MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.

Despite the obstacles he faces, Rob is supporting people with MND through Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal, and he says:

“Imprisoned in the brutality of MND, my vision is that people diagnosed with MND hear the news in a calming and tranquil sanctuary. I envisage a beautiful, welcoming building that is user and family friendly. A place where patients feel comfortable to bring family members into a safe and homely environment for them, with signs of hope and optimism. For carers of those with MND it is important to know that their loved ones are in the best possible place. Something every MND sufferer and their families deserve. Although the news won’t be any better, it will be easier to come to terms with in a purposely built care centre that meets the needs of every MND patient.”

The team at Rothwell Harriers & AC are currently training very hard! Many have never run a marathon before but are determined to complete the 26.2m challenging circuit and are well underway with various training routines including early morning long runs, interval sessions, body pump classes and training in all weather! We are are supporting each other every step of the way and will be out in force on the 14th May along with lots of our members, friends and family. Please come and cheer us on!

Please support us as we work hard to achieve our goals and crucially to raise vital funds for the people suffering from for this horrendous disease and their dedicated families.

Thank you so much for your support!!