Tree planting to beat MND

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow is teaming up with Welcome to Yorkshire to support a charity tree planting campaign, including Nidderdale’s Shoe Gate Wood, which will raise money for the MND Association.

The region’s tourism agency has launched a membership initiative in honour of the former Leeds Rhinos star, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019.

Since his diagnosis, Rob has spoken publicly about his illness to raise awareness and inspired close friend and Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield to raise £2.7m in his 7 in 7 Challenge (seven marathons in seven days) in support of people impacted by MND.

The new charity drive is part of Welcome to Yorkshire’s My Personal Membership Scheme, which is aimed at promoting Yorkshire and includes planting a tree for every member.

There will now be an option to choose a special Welcome to Yorkshire Rob Burrow Membership, with £5 from every one purchased donated to MNDA and recorded in the MND Association Rob Burrow Fightback Fund.

Kevin Sinfield said: “Rob is a proud Yorkshireman and loved playing for his county during his glittering career. This is a wonderful way for people to support the MND Association and help families just like Rob’s.”

Trees are being planted at Shoe Gate Wood in Nidderdale with further regional sites due to follow.

Jenn Dodd, the MND Association’s regional fundraiser for Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East, said: “We are so grateful to Welcome to Yorkshire and Rob Burrow for providing this exciting membership option where, in addition to having a tree planted in your name, you can also help support people affected by MND.

“We hope the membership and trees will inspire future fundraising and awareness-raising activities for people affected by MND in these special areas of woodland, and that this will grow into a long-lasting legacy for Rob and the 5,000 other people living with MND in the UK right now.”

More information about the scheme is available at www.yorkshire.com/become-a-member