84-year-old Leeds Rhinos fan to take on special challenge inspired by Rob Burrow MBE for motor neurone disease appeal
A lifelong Leeds Rhinos supporter is preparing to take on a challenge inspired by Rob Burrow MBE to raise funds for the development of a motor neurone disease centre in Leeds.
Jack Abrahams, 84, has been attending Rhinos matches since he was around five-years-old and was an admirer of Burrow's tenacity and talent on the pitch.
Since the rugby league icon was diagnosed with MND, Jack has become a fan of his resilience away from the pitch.
In order to help raise funds for the establishment of a specialist MND centre in Leeds named after Burrow, Jack is preparing to take on a challenge which pays homage to Burrow's exploits in his number seven shirt.
"There's no doubt about it, he's been one of the greatest rugby players," Jack said.. "He was a very tough player, particularly for his size - he feared nobody.
"It's an unfortunate thing which has happened to Rob. I'd seen all the fundraising and wanted to do something self-contained myself, so I put a plan together.
"I decided to get T-shirts done with his number seven, which I'm wearing when I do seven days of walking seven miles."
In a challenge sponsored by Elmhurst Windows, which Jack founded, he will complete walks such as the Meanwood Trail and the Kirkstall Forge Trail.
He has already raised over £3,500 but he is hoping to hit the £5,000 mark.
"I've been a major fan of his and have followed him for many years," Jack said. "When this happened, it was totally upsetting, he's a great character."
Donations can be made here.