29 February 2024 News
MND Association Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal was guest of honour at a special Thank You event thanking the rugby community for four years of incredible support.
Around 80 specially invited guests, representing the rugby community, enjoyed afternoon tea at Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds, organised by the MND Association.
Rhinos’ legend and Association patron Rob Burrow CBE and his family were the first to be introduced to Her Royal Highness. Rob was diagnosed with MND in December 2019. Since then, he and his family have shared their story across multiple channels to raise awareness of motor neurone disease and to encourage support of MND charities. As a result, clubs, players and supporters from across both rugby codes have organised and joined in a myriad fundraising events and opportunities.
The event marked those efforts, which have raised around £8.2million for the MND Association.
Chief Executive of the MND Association, Tanya Curry, greeted The Princess Royal on arrival and introduced her to many of the guests.
“So many people within the rugby community have followed Rob’s journey and his friendship with Kev, and been moved to show their support by helping us to raise awareness of this brutal disease, and donating to the MND Association.
“This event was our chance to say a heartfelt thank you to them for everything they have done. And we were delighted that The Princess Royal, who has been our Royal Patron for the last 16 years, was able to deliver that message of gratitude alongside us.”