Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE's campaign for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) funding has been rejected by the UK government.
Geoff Burrow, father of the former Rhinos star, took to social media to share his anger at the lack of funding for MND in the government budget announcement.
A coalition of MND organisations, researchers and campaigners, including Geoff Burrow, submitted a funding bid to the government in September to request official funding into the life-changing condition.
Rob and Geoff Burrow and Lindsay Hoyle MP in September, before delivering a patient letter requesting increased MND research funding to Downing Street. / Image: Jane Halhead
MND is a degenerative disease that has left Leeds Rhinos legend of 16 years, Rob Burrow, paralysed and forced to communicate with his family through an eye-driven device.
The condition affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and has life-changing consequences for anyone diagnosed with the condition.
The proposal for additional funding had been backed by business secretary Kwasi Kwawrteng but the budget announcement on Wednesday saw the pledge omitted.
There are currently over 5,000 people in the UK living with the "brutal disease" according to the MDA Association.
Chief Executive, Sally Light commented on the lack of funding as "disappointing".
"The government hasn't listened to our plea to invest £50 million in targeted MND research. Our researchers are on the cusp of a breakthrough in discovering treatments for MND but they need a meaningful injection of funding".
Father of Rob Burrow, Geoff Burrow desperately issued a plea on social media asking the government to reconsider.
Rob Burrow has diagnosed with MND in December 2019 and is cared for full-time by his wife Lyndsey.
The ex-Rhinos star spoke out earlier this year about his condition, saying that "it's beautiful being cared for by the only girl you've ever loved".
The Burrow family have been supported online, with many fans and strangers to Rob's celebrity status alike commenting kind words in response to the tweet.
"We are outraged Geoff! Time for people to stand up and force action. We love you @Rob7Burrow".
"Same old same old words are cheap. They are happy to jump on a good cause when it gets them publicity. The wee man has did more than his share to raise awareness we must all push on and keep it in the headlines. Well done for talking out Mr B".
There is a fundraising event from the Motor Neurone Disease Association taking place on Saturday 6 November where a folk concert performance is hoping to raise funds for research.
There is also the Doncaster 10K and Clowe Half Marathon events in November and plenty of other opportunities to get involved in campaigning to fund the condition.
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan
Danny Jones
Leeds United have confirmed another January signing, bringing in Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Facundo Buonanotte on loan until the end of the season.
An exciting little deal that adds even further strength in depth to their attacking options.
The Argentinian attacking midfielder, who has often been deployed as a winger, has already shown plenty of early promise at his parent club, not to mention further impressing as a loanee at Leicester City during the 2024/25 season.
Buonanotte was loaned out to Chelsea last year, but only made a total of four appearances during the spell, and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign with Daniel Farke's Leeds.
Being unveiled at the Thorp Arch training centre on Thursday, 15 January, the 21-year-old forward is among what The Whites will hope is set to be fresh batch of signings this transfer window, with the team being linked with a number of names this winter.
One player who is set to arrive at Elland Road imminently is Leeds United fellow youth talent, Leonard Ngenge - a Nigerian defender who signed a pre-contract ahead of his 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, Buonanotte is set become just the fourth South American international to represent the Yorkshire club (bonus points if you can name the others).
Penning a short-term temporary contract, it is not thought that the deal for the Rosario Central academy product involves an option to buy.
Chelsea had actually hijacked his transfer back in the summer following an initial approach from Leeds, but has ultimately struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge in 25/26.
Looks like he's made a better decision this time around.
The Argentine prospect enjoyed the best term of his professional career with the Foxes, scoring half a dozen times and assisting three times in 35 appearances.
He will wear the number 40 shirt.
In case you haven't seen a showreel of finishes and assists before, you can see some Facundo Buonanotte highlights during his breakout period for Brighton HERE.
Happy with your newest recruit, Leeds fans, or do you still want some more names coming in before you're satisfied?
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
