10-year-old Macy, 7-year-old Maya, and 3-year-old Jackson Burrow were amazed and excited when they won the Young Achiever Award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards held at Elland Road. The three children, who all attend Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust, are used to fancy award ceremonies and being in the limelight as their Dad, Rob Burrow is an English former professional rugby league footballer, who spent 16 years playing for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, before retiring in 2017. Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019 and has since raised the profile of the disease as well as being part of some tremendous fundraising efforts.
The children were selected by a panel that looks for young people in Yorkshire who have done something special. They were recognised for raising awareness about Motor Neurone Disease Association and their fundraising efforts for both MND and the new hospital centre. Some of their fundraising ideas have included designing Christmas cards and a Leeds Rhino shirt.
The children weren’t the only winners of the night. Rob was awarded the Special Recognition Award, which recognised Rob not only for his sporting career but also for his bravery and courage in tackling his illness with fight and determination. Rob was described as courageous, brave, and inspirational. Rob and his wife Lindsey were honoured to present The Rob Burrow Award 2022. This particular award celebrated individuals, young people and groups who contributed to the charity, MND Association, helping to raise awareness and vital funds.
Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s wife, said: “The children have been great at getting on with life and making the most out of a really bad situation. They have been creating memories to treasure. They are great at helping and being part of the fundraising. The girls loved wearing beautiful dresses and having their hair done and the best part of the night for them (other than the award) was the pudding!.”