Hello and welcome to this week’s Year 9 Blog. 

This week I have delivered a series of Assemblies on the late Rob Burrow MBE and his battle with Motor Neurone Disease. The assembly highlighted the story of Rob Burrow MBE, his personal battles and how they link to National Men’s Mental Health Week and National Carers this Week. 

Rob Burrow died at the age of 41 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease following a fantastic career with Leeds Rhinos. In a glittering career at Leeds Rhinos, he won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies, three World Club Challenges and thirteen representative honours. 

After his diagnosis with MND, Burrow and his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield have raised more than fifteen million pounds for charity in less than five years. 

Burrow’s final message reads: 

“I hope one day we find a cure and live in a world free of MND. By the time that you watch this I will no longer be here. I am just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live his dream of playing rugby league. As a father of three young children, I would never want any family to have to go through what my family have since my diagnosis. I hope I have left a mark on the disease; I hope it shows to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration from the whole story.” 

“My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it. Every single day is precious. Do not waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow, over and out.” 

I cannot finish this Blog without also drawing attention to Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s remarkable wife and carer, Lindsey who cares for Rob, their three children and works as an NHS physiotherapist. Her strength and unwavering positive attitude are truly inspiring. 

The number of comments from both staff and students since listening to the assembly again demonstrates how this story has touched the hearts of so many. 

Mr Julian 

Head of Year 9 

Mrs Green 

Assistant Head of Year 9