Northern has announced it will name a train after motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner and rugby league legend Rob Burrow.
How lovely is that?
The operator is now working closely with Rob Burrow’s family and the MND Association to create bespoke artwork for the train that will pay tribute to him and raise awareness of the disease.
The trail is due to be unveiled at a West Yorkshire station later this year, welcoming tens of thousands of people as it travels hundreds of miles every single day.
Northern Rail agreed on a partnership with the wonderful MND Association back in June with the staff pledging to raise thousands of pounds for research to help find a cure for the life-shortening condition.
Northern has launched a ‘7 weeks of summer campaign’, asking its 7,000 employees to take part in a range of fundraising activities.
These include seven walks – covering a total of 70 miles – between towns and cities in the North which are home to Super League sides.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “When we were asked to name a train after Rob, we agreed it was a fantastic opportunity to honour his legacy.
“With the support of his family and the MND Association, we are now working to make this happen. So many of us here at Northern were inspired by Rob’s indomitable spirit and his commitment to helping others suffering with this cruel disease.
“That’s why we want to pay tribute to this great man, help raise awareness of MND and funding which can be used to help find a cure.”
Jo Coker, the MND Association’s director of income generation, said: “Rob was an inspiration both on and off the pitch – a man who showed real courage in sharing his diagnosis and opening up a conversation about motor neurone disease which continues to this day.
“For that, and for everything his family has done, and continues to do to support us, we are truly grateful. As one of the region’s most famous sons, naming a new train after him is a fantastic way to honour Rob’s life and legacy.
“As it travels through towns and cities, we hope it will spark many more conversations about Rob and about MND.”
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Featured image – Northern
