Oxen Sports announce donation to Leeds Hospitals Charity

Oxen Sports is pleased to announce a heartfelt donation of £82,000 to Leeds Hospitals Charity, generated from sales of the Limited Edition Leeds Rhinos MND (Motor Neurone Disease) shirt from the 2024 season. Dedicated to the late Rob Burrow CBE, this special edition shirt was designed by fellow MND warrior Cath Muir.

The 2024 Limited Edition MND shirt, created in collaboration with Leeds Rhinos, was warmly received by fans and the community, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience that Burrow championed throughout his life. Oxen Sports is proud that the funds raised from this initiative will support the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, which will be the  first of its kind in the UK which will provide specialised care for people living with MND and their families.

The special shirt was worn by the Rhinos against Leigh Leopards on Friday 21st June, in an emotional evening at AMT Headingley which was the first home fixture since the passing of Rob. The game was played on Global MND Awareness Day where the Rhinos celebrated the life of legendary player Rob Burrow CBE and ran out 18-10 winners on the evening.

“Rob Burrow’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, and we are deeply honoured to contribute to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in his name,” said Lee Jenkinson, CEO at Oxen Sports. “This donation reflects the tremendous support of fans who share Rob’s fighting spirit and have joined us in this mission to make a difference for those battling MND. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who purchased a shirt and helped make this donation possible.”

The collaboration with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Hospitals Charity highlights the positive impact sports partnerships can have within the community, bringing people together in support of vital healthcare initiatives. The Rob Burrow Centre for MND, aims to deliver specialised care, enhance research capabilities, and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity said: “We were absolutely blown away that sales of the limited edition Leeds Rhinos MND shirt have raised £82,000 for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal. We’re incredibly grateful to Oxen Sports for choosing to support the appeal through sales of the shirt, and with less than £250,000 to reach our target, this contribution will help us get even closer to our target to build a specialist MND centre in Leeds.”

Rob Oates, Commercial Director at Leeds Rhinos added: “This is a fantastic tribute to Rob and his tireless efforts throughout his battle with MND to raise money to help others impacted by the disease. That night against Leigh at AMT Headingley will live long in the memory of everyone who was either there or watched on television. It was incredible to see so many of the MND shirts, with the wonderful design by Cath Muir, all the way around the ground and this is a great gesture by Oxen Sport to help the cause to get the Rob Burrow Centre for MND open as soon as possible.”