England’s opponents France made a memorable gesture during RLWC2021 when they wore warm-up shirts with a message for Rob Burrow ahead of the Group A match at Bolton – and are again lending their support.

Former Leeds Rhinos scrum-half Rob Burrow MBE was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019, just two years after ending his playing career by captaining Leeds to a record-extending eighth Super League Grand Final. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could sell 5,000 replica shirts – one for every person currently living with MND in the UK? I’m delighted to say that both matches will be broadcast live by Sky Sports and to see legions of England fans at the game wearing this iconic shirt would make very special television.” If you have MND, the following resources can help you make decisions about therapies, treatments or care. Often called patient decision making aids, this type of information is about understanding the choices available and how these might affect you and those close to you. Support for raising awareness about the needs of someone with MND, including use of an advocate who can speak on behalf of the person who has been diagnosed. This may be needed if they have problems with their speech. This section of our main guide for people with MND looks at ways for the whole family and friends to communicate about the changes the disease will bring.

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Rob has inspired so many people to join the fight against MND. In November 2022, former team mate and fellow Association patron Kevin Sinfield OBE took on his third challenge raising money in Rob’s name. His Ultra 7in7 saw Kevin running from Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh to Old Trafford in Manchester in just 7 days – the equivalent of around 40 miles a day. Following on from 7in7 – 7 marathons in 7 days in November 2020, and, a year later, Kevin ran The Extra Mile – 101 miles, finishing at Headingley Stadium. Guidance on how and when to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and other benefits regarding housing. Broadcast in 2022, the BBC documentary Rob Burrow: Living with MND took an intimate look at Rob’s life with MND more than two years on from his diagnosis. The programme follows Rob on a trip to the swimming pool with wife Lindsey, cheering on his children at school sports day and an appointment with his neurologist. This is the second time Rob has generously allowed the cameras into his home to raise awareness, after sharing the first year after being diagnosed in the documentary Rob Burrow: My Year with MND, which was released in 2020. The powerful programme was shortlisted for a National Television Award in 2021.

I have a physical problem which affects my speech, but I can hear and understand you. Your help and patience would be appreciated. Thank you.” A small booklet to help those new to the caring role when someone close has been first diagnosed with MND. An audio versionof this guide is also available.RL Commercial Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, says: “For the third year running our partners at Oxen, together with RL Commercial, are supporting a cause close to the hearts of so many in Rugby League. Our relationship with the MND Association follows our work with the Mose Masoe Foundation in 2021 and fundraising for Tongan tsunami relief in 2022 when both England and the Combined Nations All Stars wore Tonga-inspired shirts. Our storybook, featuring three family-based stories to help young children identify with the characters and begin to adjust to the changes that MND can bring to family life. You can also visit our online activity hub for children, MND Buddies, to read and listen to the stories, along with games and other activities. It can feel challenging to plan ahead for future care and end of life, but this can help ensure your wishes are respected. It may also help those close to you feel better prepared. England Rugby League’s Men and Women return to international action on Saturday 29 April for the first time since last year’s Rugby League World Cup – a double-header with France at Warrington which is the launchpad for a game-wide fundraising effort in aid of the MND Association. Suggestions on ways to manage everyday personal care tasks such as washing, dressing and intimate care with MND. This booklet contains information about equipment and services that could support you to prolong independence with everyday tasks and how to access them.