Princess Anne has thanked rugby fans for raising millions of pounds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association at an event today.
The Princess Royal attended a reception at Headingley Stadium in Leeds with former rugby player Rob Burrow CBE.
The afternoon tea was held to thank rugby league fans for raising over £8.2 million for the MND association over the last four years.
Princess Anne, who is patron of the MND Association, described former rugby players Burrow and Kevin Sinfield as “extraordinary” after meeting them today.
Princess Anne thanked supporters for raising millions for MND Association
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Princess Anne attended afternoon tea at Headingley Stadium in Leeds
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Rob Burrow, former captain of the Leeds Rhino, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has since raised awareness of the disease on various channels.
In response, rugby clubs, supporters and players from across the sport have raised a phenomenal amount of money through fundraising events and opportunities.
During the event the Princess Royal presented the rugby legends with awards and made a speech.
She said it was a “most extraordinary example by Rob burrow himself and Kevin Sinfield to raise awareness of a really devastating diagnosis.”
Princess Anne met with former rugby player Rob Burrow
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The Princess Royal is patron of the MND Association
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The Princess Royal wore a bright red coat for the event with black gloves as she chatted with guests who were inspired to volunteer by Burrow.
Chief executive of the MND Association, Tanya Curry, introduced the royal to guests at the event.
Curry said: “So many people within the rugby community have followed Rob’s journey and his friendship with Kev and been moved to show their support by helping us to raise awareness of this brutal disease and donating to the MND Association.
“This event was our chance to say a heartfelt thank you to them for everything they have done. And we were delighted that The Princess Royal, who has been our Royal Patron for the last 16 years, was able to deliver that message of gratitude alongside us.”
Princess Royal meets Paul Caddick Chair of Leeds Rhinos
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Anne made a speech at a thank you event for the rugby community
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MND is a “rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.”
People with MND are usually unable to move and talk but can use their senses like sight, sound and touch.
Linsey Burrow, Rob’s wife said: “She [Anne] just asked us about the MNDA and how they supported us as a family. Very down to earth, she was lovely.”
Burrow was also awarded a CBE by the Prince of Wales earlier this year for raising over £15 million for charities since his diagnosis.