Leeds Rhinos hero Rob Burrow tackles motor neurone disease diagnosis saying ‘The last thing I want is pity’
ROB BURROW is ready to tackle the fight of his life head on after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The 37-year-old, who won eight Super League titles and 20 caps for England and Great Britain, has already met former Scotland rugby union player and fellow MND sufferer Doddie Weir.
Burrow also won two Challenge Cups, three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders’ Shields during a glittering playing career which ended in 2017.
Now the Rhinos’ reserve team coach faces his biggest challenge after learning he had contracted the muscle-wasting disease last Thursday – news that has devastated the whole of rugby league.
Just like in his playing days, when he defied his small stature to become one of Leeds’ biggest icons, he will not be defeated without a fight.
And whatever you do, do not give him pity.
Burrow, who met Weir on Wednesday in Carlisle, said: “I am really positive, really good considering the news.
"Apart from my voice and other bits and bats with my muscles, I feel absolutely normal. I am really keen to carry on as normal and just get on with life.
"While I'm able-bodied and feel fit and strong and healthy I want to do normal things and not be treated any different.
What is motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease is a rare condition.
About two in every 100,000 Brits develop it each year.
It affects specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the function of motor neurons to break down.
When this neurodegeneration occurs, everyday activities become increasingly difficult or completely impossible.
Over time, the condition progressively worsens as the muscle weakens and can visibly waste.
The majority of those diagnosed with the disease are given a three-year life expectancy starting from when they first notice the symptoms.
"I had shoulder pain, through rugby - an operation and arthritis. I was taking medicine for that and it makes you a bit drowsy at times.
"I thought it was that, to the point where I thought, 'I need to come off this, because it is affecting my speech.'
"But what I don’t want is pity. I think that’s the scary thing, that people feel sorry for you. I don’t want that, I just want to crack on like normal."
Burrow’s former team-mate and friend and Leeds’ director of rugby Kevin Sinfield has been left devastated by the diagnosis.
He said: “Throughout his career, Rob overcame the odds to become a legend of the game and I know he will tackle this challenge with the exact same positive determination.
“The support we've already had is overwhelming. Where he's at is remarkable, he's a real tower of strength and he's going to give it everything he's got.
"And Doddie's really helped Rob. Meeting him gave Rob a couple of things to hang his hat on and some real direction going forward."
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A trust fund will be set up In the New Year to support Rob in his treatment but a fundraising page has already been established.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan's testimonial against Bradford on Sunday, January 12 will now be a joint fundraiser for him and his former team-mate.
You can donate by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robburrow
