After the success first Burrow Strictly Ball in March 2022, organised by Rob Burrow’s sisters Clare Burnett and Joanne Hartshorne, the ball is back and bigger than ever, with a star-studded line up competing to win the coveted glitterball.

Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, and since then his family has worked tirelessly to help raise awareness and funds for MND charities.

The inaugural event at Headingley Stadium, raised over £85,000 for Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.

This year, celebrities will follow in the footsteps of Strictly Come Dancing stars as they take to the floor at the iconic Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom in Blackpool on Saturday 20^th April. Funds raised will be split between the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, Motor Neurone Disease Association, and the Rob Burrow Discretionary Fund.

Rob’s sisters have danced 30 years, and competed across the UK, winning national competitions in Ballroom and Latin dancing, hosting numerous strictly themed events over the years.

Joanne told us:

“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make the first ball a success, to see Rob’s face light up, especially when Barrie McDermott took to the stage was priceless! It was such a special and fun night. Everyone who took part were such good sports and so dedicated to raising as much money as possible to support the fight against MND.

“Both Clare and I knew we wanted to host another Burrow Strictly Ball, but we really wanted to step it up this time. There felt like no better place than Blackpool to host the event and we have 10 celebrities signed up to support Rob.”

The glittering evening will be hosted by well-loved TV presenters Dan Walker, Sally Nugent, Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones. On the judging panel, Coronation Street stars Daniel Brocklebank and Peter Ash will be joined by professional ballroom dancer Barbara McColl and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Lilia Kopylova.

Among the celebrities taking to the dancefloor are Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, ex-Leeds Rhinos player, Jamie-Jones Buchanan, Married at First Sight’s Matt Jameson and England Rugby League star Danika Priim.

We spoke to Tracy Brabin, about why she wanted to get involved:

“After running the Leeds Half Marathon last year, I’m really excited to be joining the Burrow Strictly Ball to raise more money for the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Like many across the country, I have closely followed Rob’s story, and been inspired by his courage and his determination.

"I know this centre will make a huge difference for families affected by MND, so despite my two left-feet, I jumped at the opportunity to take part.”

Over 400 tickets have now been sold for the event, and the sisters are hoping to sell even more over the next few weeks.

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“We’re incredibly grateful that Jo and Clare are continuing to support our appeal through this fantastic event. The last Burrow Strictly Ball was an extraordinary success and gave us a huge fundraising boost towards our fundraising target.

“We now have just £1.4 million left to raise, and it’s thanks to the support of remarkable fundraisers like Clare and Jo that we are one step closer to making Rob’s dream of a specialist MND centre in Leeds a reality. I’m sure the ball will be a memorable night for everyone involved and given scores of ‘10’ all round!”

Chris James, Director of External Affairs at the MND Association said:

“The star-studded line up and the backdrop of the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom means attendees of the Burrow Strictly Ball are in for an absolute treat! A huge thank you must go to Clare and Joanne for organising yet another incredible event to raise funds and awareness of MND, and good luck to all of the celebrities who have generously given up their time to take part.

“We are so grateful the MND Association is one of the benefitting charities for the Ball, and the funds we receive will help us continue to support people affected by MND across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and fund vital research to find a cure for this brutal disease.”

There are a limited number of tickets remaining. Tickets cost £100 and include a full three course meal, to purchase yours please email [email protected]