Honour can provide hope says Burrow
ROB Burrow hopes his MBE in the New Year Honours list will give comfort to fellow motor neurone disease sufferers and reassure them that their plight will not be ignored.
The 38-year-old former Leeds Rhinos player was diagnosed with the degenerative and life-limiting condition in 2019. The MBE is in recognition of his services to his sport but also respects how he has raised awareness of MND during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “It is truly humbling to be awarded an MBE and I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible.
“2020 has taught us all to appreciate the gifts we have and it is my honour and privilege to accept this award on behalf of all the MND community.
“I hope it gives people hope that we are not ignored and the drive for more research and
support to end MND will not stop.
“I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and opponents throughout my playing career. 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.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family. I know they have always been proud of me. This MBE is for them and I am looking forward to making another special memory when I am able to receive the award.”
Burrow’s former team-mate Kevin Sinfield has helped his friend’s campaign to raise funds and awareness by completing seven marathons in seven days – raising more than £2.6m.
The disease has already robbed Burrow of the ability to speak without a machine and forced him into a wheelchair, but he continues to work in support of the cause.
Leeds director of rugby Sinfield said: “I’m absolutely delighted for him, for (his wife) Lindsey, for the kids, for his mum and dad too.
“What he has done in the last 12 months in fighting like he has... he absolutely deserves (the honour).”