Rugby League Legend Rob Burrow Receives MBE For Motor Neurone Disease Awareness

Rob Burrow says he is "absolutely honoured" after receiving his MBE from the Princess Royal.

While also fighting the tough battle himself, Burrow has continued to put all his efforts into research and discussions around MND with the hope that a cure can be found some day.

Ever since his diagnosis a few years back, Burrow's condition has deteriorated rapidly, to the point where he is now wheelchair-bound.

But the incredible and inspiring man has continued to fight on and his brave actions have now been commemorated by the Royal Family, who have awarded the Leeds Rhinos icon with an MBE.

Speaking after the ceremony, Burrow said: "I'm shocked to be accepting the MBE award, it's not something that was on the list of things that I wanted to achieve but I am absolutely honoured to receive this award.

"Any excuse to see my wife get dressed up in the dresses she deserves... I hope she enjoys the occasion like me.

"I've always got a kick out of giving close ones that experience like no other. It gives my Lindsey escapism from a normal day-to-day management of looking after me.

"I'm so proud to receive this because of my rugby and the awareness for MND, this most importantly means that MND continues to be talked about and keeping it in the public.

"I'm blown away by the response to me getting the disease and I hope they know - it's all for you."

During his decorated rugby league career, Burrow won eight Grand Finals with the Rhinos.

He also went on to make 20 international appearances, 15 for England and five for Great Britain.

Shortly after his retirement and subsequent diagnosis, Burrow's boyhood club Leeds Rhinos paid tribute to him by inviting him back onto the field one last time during a fundraising game.

His return made for truly emotional scenes as there was barely a single dry eye in Headingley.