07 March 2023 , 11:53
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The inspirational Rob Burrow has warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that "time is not a luxury that the MND community has" after accepting a prestigious award at 10 Downing Street.
The Leeds Rhinos legend, who won eight Super League titles in his storybook career, has bravely campaigned on behalf of his fellow sufferers ever since revealing he'd been diagnosed with the disease in December 2019. He was rewarded on Monday night with the 2,000th Points of Light honour, meeting Sunak in person to receive the award.
Three months ago, the Prime Minister pledged £50 million to MND researchers as part of an ongoing bid to find a cure for the condition. Burrow had previously travelled to No 10 with friends and family members to campaign for increased funding.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister for this award and also the £50million commitment by his Government for MND research," he said, in front of Sunak. "I know the first £30million is already making a huge difference and I know the remaining £20million will be available as soon as possible as time is not a luxury that the MND community has."
And in another poignant message, he added: "I would like to accept this award on behalf of my fellow 5,000 people with MND in this country and I'd ask the Prime Minister that when he stands in the House of Commons with his fellow MP's, that he imagines six more people behind every one of those 650 MPs each with the worst possible diagnosis in front of them.
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"When he does that, and makes the very important decisions his office demands, I'd ask him to do it with compassion for each of those people. Because as my good friend Kevin Sinfield said 'This country cares'."
Burrow was presented with an MBE last year (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Sunak responded by saying: "Very well said, Rob, very well said. And that's why it's so important, as you said, that we get this research money - the £50 million - and get it out there and make a difference." The PM later told the star and his parents it was a "great privilege and pleasure to see you all."
He also tweeted on Tuesday: "Last night I was honoured to present the 2,000th Point of Light award to @Rob7Burrow. Rob's work shining a light on Motor Neurone Disease and funding research and care is nothing short of inspirational. It will change what it means to be diagnosed with #MND. Thank you, Rob."
It wasn't the only honour the former England and GB scrum half received yesterday. His BBCLiving With MND programme was adjudged the Television Documentary of the Year at the annual Sports Journalists' Association awards.