Burrow receives MBE award for services to Rugby and MND awareness

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow has been awarded an MBE for his services to Rugby and to Motor Neurone Disease awareness. 

One-club man Burrow is an eight-time Super League Grand Final winner with Leeds Rhinos and won the Harry Sunderland trophy on two occasions. He also scored one of the most iconic Grand Final tries in Super League history.

Since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019, Burrow has worked tirelessly to increase awareness of the disease and campaigned to raise vital funds into research. 

Burrow received his MBE award at Windsor Castle from The Princess Royal - a patron of the MND Association.

Burrow expressed his gratitude and surprise at being awarded his MBE. He said: "I’m shocked to be accepting the MBE award. It is not something I would imagine I would have achieved during my career but I’m absolutely honoured to receive this award.

“It is a great occasion for my family as well. Any excuse to see my wife get dressed up, she deserves to get it for the wonderful support she gives me and our family. I hope that she enjoys the occasion like me.

“I’ve always got a kick out of giving close ones an experience like no other. It gives Lindsey an escapism from her normal day to day management of looking after me.

“I’m so proud to receive this because of my rugby and the awareness for MND. This most importantly means that MND continues to be talked about and it remains in the public eye. I’m blown away by the response my diagnosis has had and I hope that the MND community know that it is all for them,?? added the father of three.

Sally Light, Chief Executive of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, added: “We are thrilled that Rob has received this well-deserved MBE. Since his diagnosis Rob has inspired thousands of people, both in and out of the ruby league community, to raise money and invaluable awareness of motor neurone disease. 

"Rob has selflessly chosen to share his journey with MND with the world which has galvanised people into doing whatever they can to help find a cure for this brutal disease. We feel incredibly proud to have Rob as a patron of the MND Association and I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Rob and his family on this special day.??