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.
Guinness and the Six Nations has got to be a match made in heaven.
With the 2026 Six Nations tournament kicking off last Friday Thursday, 5 February – it's safe to say rugby fans across Leeds will be set on finding the perfect place to watch the upcoming matches.
However, we can’t think of many other places offering bottomless black gold in town, let alone anywhere else in Leeds.
So, if you were still unsure of where to watch this year’s tournament, the Social Pub and Kitchen group might have just made the decision for you…
That’s right, this widespread British chain is looking to keep the pints flowing throughout the duration of this year’s competition, thanks to a twist on their standard bottomless brunch format.
Image: Social Pub and Kitchen Group
Running for every single televised meeting between the much-loved half dozen rugby union teams, all 103 of their locations across the country will be providing this impressive offer on pints.
Here in Leeds, the Dry Dock, The Library and the Hyde Park Hotel will be offering the deal.
As well as these nearby venues, there are obviously plenty more around Yorkshire for those slightly further afield.
With a new food menu too, which features several honey-based dishes like the sweet sriracha pizza, chipotle loaded fries, as well as honey chipotle chicken wings, the matchday scran is on point.
So too are the drinks, clearly, and if any of your party wants to stray away from the bottomless Guinness, there are series of special Six Nations-themed cocktails, such as the ‘Midnight in Dublin’, a ‘Peach on the Pitch’ margarita, Baby Velvet, and the bold ‘G-Bomb’.
Yes, we suspect it is as boozy as it sounds.
Running throughout February and March whilst the games are on, we imagine plenty of people will be making at least one Social Pub and Kitchen site their chosen destination for watching all the action.
Even if you happen to be reading this outside of Leeds, you can find your nearest Social Pub and Kitchen and book your table right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity picture (supplied)
Sport
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Clementine Hall
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
