Ex-rugby pro to 'pick up baton' for Rob Burrow

Matt Gallagher, pictured with his daughters, said receiving his diagnosis was like a "bomb had gone off"

Former rugby union star Matt Gallagher has said he is ready to "pick up the baton" following the death of rugby league player Rob Burrow.

The ex-Coventry Rugby back, who now lives in Solihull, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) eight months ago, the same illness that killed Burrow at the age of 41.

Discussing his diagnosis, Mr Gallagher told the BBC it was "like walking out of a building and a bomb had gone off".

In the months that followed he created the Matt Gallagher Foundation that raises money for West Midlands families coping with MND.

As part of the charity's fundraising, four ex-Worcester Warriors players will be among 25 to 30 other riders taking on the Moel Siabod Sportif Bike Ride.

It is a journey that will see Alex Grove, Chris Pennell, Jonny Arr and Nick Baxter ride 106 miles in Snowdonia.

Mr Gallagher said that in the West Midlands, 278 people are affected by the disease.

"You start to realise there are a lot of these warriors, as I call them. Some of them are out there on their own and they are waiting for assistance," he said.

"It is not like cancer, it is not recognised it seems. Ultimately, we have to try and help as many people as we can."

Since the foundation's formation, it has raised more than £370,000 which has helped with deposits for mobility vehicles, build wet rooms and has even helped fund technology to help one patient paint with their eyes.

The former Worcester Warriors players Chris Pennell, Jonny Arr and Alex Grove are among those cycling around 106 miles across Snowdonia

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Mr Baxter explained: "We do not need much motivation for our rugby mate who selflessly since his diagnosis has done nothing but raise the profile of MND.

"The money gets raised for two different reasons: to fund research to find a cure and the second thing is to improve their lives."

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