Rob Burrow Centre for MND Blog: Together – the fundraising journey so far

By Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising, Leeds Hospitals Charity

When Dr Agam Jung approached us in 2020 with her vision to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, we knew, with the support of the people of Yorkshire, we could make this building a reality.

One of our charity’s core values is ‘Together’ and this has been at the heart of the appeal since it first launched in September 2021.

Every step of the way we’ve worked together. Together with Dr Jung and the MND clinical team, together with the Burrow family and MND patients, and together with thousands of fundraisers and donors, and now together with the architects to design the building.

Of course, there was some apprehension, £6.8 million is a mammoth fundraising target and in the economic climate during COVID, people were struggling financially more than ever.

But, from the moment Rob sat on the BBC Breakfast sofa to announce the appeal, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we have received. It became clear to us that Rob’s story had inspired and touched the hearts of not only the people of Leeds, but also the entire nation and across the globe.

It’s hard to pick highlights from the past two years, as everyone’s fundraising efforts have been phenomenal. For me, being part of Kevin Sinfield’s team for the Extra Mile Challenge was an honour. Although I didn’t join in the mammoth run, I was lucky enough to be part of the support team and was behind Kevin every step of the way.

It was also incredible to see the electric atmosphere at the first ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May and witness the emotional moment Kevin carried Rob across the finish line. We had over 600 runners, including our patron Lindsey Burrow join Team Leeds Hospitals Charity to fundraise for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal.

Kevin Sinfield carrying Rob Burrow past the finish line at the Rob Burrow Leeds marathon

Read More: Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2024

I am proud that together have now raised £5.3 million in just over two years, an incredible achievement that would not have been possible without support from the public.

We are now getting closer to hearing the full-time whistle, with £1.5 million left to reach our target to build a centre where people with MND and their families can ‘live in the now.’As the architects work with the hospital Estates and Facilities team, MND clinic staff, patients and families to progress with the build, our fundraising efforts won’t stop.

We’re so grateful to Kevin Sinfield, who raised over £900,000 through his recent 7 in 7 in 7 challenge, his inspirational fundraising has helped us pass the £5 million fundraising mark.

I’m excited for what’s to come in 2024 with the second Burrow Strictly Ball in April and the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May, there’s lots of ways you can support fundraisers or get involved yourself to help us get one step closer to making Rob’s dream a reality.

Return to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Blog

Donate to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal Today

Help us raise £6.8 million to build a specialist Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care Centre in Leeds, to give people living with MND the best quality of life.

Latest

Leeds Hospitals Charity – Trustee Appointments

There’s never been a better time to become a Trustee of Leeds Hospitals Charity!
Face to Face Fundraisers- VAC95

We are looking for someone who is charismatic, confident, and can strike up a conversation with anyone! A person who is up for a challenge, target-driven and has a can-do attitude.
Retail Specialist - Merrion- VAC94

Are you passionate about retail and customer service? If so, then we have the perfect job for you.
Rob Burrow Centre for MND Blog: I&G appointed to build the centre

Construction company I&G have just been appointed to build the new MND Centre. Managing Director, Christopher Carline, explains what it means to be involved.

Rob Burrow Centre for MND Blog: I&G appointed to build the centre

Construction company I&G have just been appointed to build the new MND Centre. Managing Director, Christopher Carline, explains what it means to be involved.
Donations fund the expansion of Virtual Reality within Leeds Children’s Hospital

Thanks to further donations, we have provided funding to expand the virtual reality service at Leeds Children's Hospital.
Charity funded equipment helps patients recover quicker after oral surgery

Leeds Dental Institute (LDI) is one of only a few hospitals in the country using this innovative surgical technique. Over the past six months over 300 patients have now benefitted from this new surgery.
Charity funded scanner helps improve outcomes for skin cancer patients in Yorkshire

Thanks to generous donations from the people of Leeds, we reached our target to purchase this innovative technology, helping to detect the recurrence or spread of melanoma quicker for skin cancer patients.
Donations enable stroke team to integrate technology into patient speech and language rehabilitation

“The iPads have not only enabled our staff to provide new and more engaging ways of working with patients, they have also encouraged patients to drive their own recovery with our support and guidance."
Rays of Hope funding enables expert training for doctors in Uganda

Funding from our linked charity Rays of Hope enabled experts from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to attend a training camp at a hospital in Uganda.
North of England Activities and Training - NHS Charities Together

Leeds Hospitals Charity facilitated over £22,000 from NHS Charities Together for NEAT to help support a 2-year project focusing on mental health through outdoor experience and an outdoor leadership training scheme.
Fundraiser living with MND calls on public to raise final £1.2 million to build MND centre in Leeds

“Now the concept designs of the new centre have been released, a lot of people assume that the fundraising for the appeal is complete. However, there is still £1.2 million left to make this centre a reality. Now, more than ever we need donations to help the charity make that final push over the finish line."
Funding Newsletter - April 2024

Launching our new 2024/25 Funding Programme, plus examples of previously funded applications and an insight into the impact of our funding for 2023/24.
Celebrities put on their dancing shoes for Rob Burrow at Blackpool Strictly Ball fundraiser

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.