Rob Burrow made patron of horse racing MND initiative

So far Rob Burrow and his wife Lindsey have received £185,554 for MND causes from The Good Racing Company

Rugby league legend Rob Burrow has become a patron of a horse racing initiative which raises money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.

The Good Racing Company fundraises through selling memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club.

The ex-Leeds Rhinos star was also presented with two cheques, each worth £7,777 in tribute to the number seven Burrow wore in his playing days.

Burrow said he was "extremely grateful" for the fundraising support.

"I think it is a brilliant and innovative way they're fundraising by selling memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club," he added.

Rob Burrow said he had developed a real passion for horse racing in recent years

The former rugby league star was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has gone on to raise awareness of the condition.

The two cheques were presented on Sunday during an event for members at Craig Lidster's yard in North Yorkshire, where Burrow's wife Lindsey was also announced as a patron of The Good Racing Company.

One donation was the proceeds of membership sales of the Rob Burrow Racing Club and the other was from Black Sheep Brewery.

Burrow said it was "great to know we have so much support"

The Good Racing Company was formed by racing enthusiast Phil Hawthorne and has raised more than £185,000 for Burrow and MND charities through selling memberships to Burrow's racing syndicate, the Rob Burrow Racing Club.

It currently owns nine racehorses, with each horse linked to a specific charitable cause.

'We're thrilled'

Burrow said: "I'm delighted to be involved and I'm overwhelmed by their fundraising efforts over the past three years, where they have raised thousands of pounds for a number of MND causes, which is fantastic.

"As well as donating and supporting a number of MND charities you get to enjoy days out at the races where you can visit the stables.

"Lindsey and I are thrilled to become patrons. We've spent many an afternoon at the races cheering on our horses."

Burrow is raising funds towards Leeds Hospitals Charity in their bid to raise £6.8m to build The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.