In late January, renowned rugby league player Rob Burrow took on the role of patron for a horse racing initiative that aims to raise funds for charities supporting people with motor neurone disease (MND).
The Good Racing Company raises money by offering memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club, with the proceeds going towards MND charities. In a tribute to Burrow's playing days, he was presented with two cheques, each worth £7,777, representing the number seven jersey he wore throughout his career with the Leeds Rhinos.
Expressing his gratitude for the fundraising support, Burrow described the initiative as "brilliant and innovative" for its approach of selling memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club. Diagnosed with MND in 2019, the former rugby league star has since become an advocate for raising awareness about the disease.
The presentation of the two cheques took place at an event for club members held at Craig Lidster's yard in North Yorkshire. During the event, Burrow's wife, Lindsey, was also announced as a patron of The Good Racing Company. One of the donations came from the proceeds of membership sales from the Rob Burrow Racing Club, while the other was a contribution from Black Sheep Brewery.
The Good Racing Company was established by racing enthusiast Phil Hawthorne in 2022 and has successfully raised over £185,000 for MND charities and Burrow himself through the sale of memberships to the Rob Burrow Racing Club. The initiative currently owns ten racehorses, each associated with a specific charitable cause.
Burrow expressed his delight at being involved and commended the fundraising efforts made over the past three years, which had generated thousands of pounds for various MND causes. In addition to supporting MND charities, members of the club also enjoy race-day experiences, including visits to the stables.
Burrow and his wife Lindsey say that they are thrilled to become patrons of The Good Racing Company. They have fondly spent many afternoons at the races, passionately supporting their horses.
Burrow is now raising funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity as part of the initiative to accumulate £6.8 million for the construction of The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Through his involvement in the Rob Burrow Racing Club and support from The Good Racing Company, Burrow's mission to combat MND and provide assistance to those affected by the disease continues to gain momentum.