Rob's dream finally comes true as MND centre is oficially opened

The family of the late rugby league star Rob Burrow has opened the first purpose-built centre dedicated entirely to MND care, research and support, which has been hailed as a "transformative moment in care".

- by Harriet Sutton

The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) was officially opened at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds on Monday.

Rob's son Jackson helped cut the ribbon surrounded by his mum, Lindsey, her other children - Macy and Maya - Ron's parents, and dozens of supporters who have helped realise the project.

The centre was the dream of the Leeds Rhinos star and his consultant Dr Agam Jung, who also wielded the scissors on Monday morning.

Lindsey told BBC Breakfast: "It's a really special day.

"Just incredibly proud to be here, to have so many of the staff that work at the centre and the patients here, it's such an honour to be here."

She said: "This is the flagship centre but, hopefully, other centres will open. This is the first of its kind in the UK.

"To have this centre here in Leeds is incredibly special in Rob's name."

Her daughter Macy said: "It's just incredible, and we're all really proud, and I know my dad would be immensely proud."

The centre been made possible thanks to a £6.8 million fundraising campaign, led by Leeds Hospitals Charity and supported by Burrow's friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield.