Relentless criminal breaks into construction site at Rob Burrow Motor Neurosis Center twice
Dirty criminals have broken into the construction site of the Motor Neuron Disease Center built in honor of inspiring rugby league star Rob Burrow.
The father of three was surrounded by family at Pinderfield’s Hospital after a six-year battle with the brutal illness last June.
The 41-year-old rugby player was first diagnosed with motor neuron disease and won eight Super League titles in Leeds just two years after retirement in the 17-season league career.
Burrow is a fan favorite, and his former teammate Kevin Sinfield is committed to raising awareness and funding for the MND community.
In honor of the late rugby player, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust has begun building a new £6.8 million centre at Seacroft Hospital and provides dedicated facilities for MND patients and their families.
But now, its construction site has been attacked by ruthless criminals in two separate incidents.
At around 11:37 pm last Friday, West Yorkshire police first received reports of ongoing burglaries at the scene.
After attending the scene, the troops searched the scene and grabbed many items, including tools and backpacks.
In honor of inspiring rugby league star Rob Burrow, the construction site of a dedicated motor neuron center has been broken (pictured in 2021)
During the semifinals of the BETFRED Super League between Leeds Rhino and Hull Football Club on September 29, 2017
Further investigations found that in the early morning of May 10, a burglary occurred at the construction site where a quantity of copper was stolen.
Rob Burrow’s father, Geoff, said it was a “beggar faith” that criminals would steal from the MND treatment center, adding that his son “looked down at the curse” because he just wanted to help people.
The family has been backed by donations and fundraising from 17,000 people in the support community, which they considered as a “prank” when they were told after a live visit last Friday.
Jeff tells “Making Money” BBC:’Rob wants to help others, he is a lovely person.
“He would bow his head and curse them. Some people beg for the belief. ”
Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospital charity, described the incidents as “frustration”, adding that supporters would be “incredibly devastating” and someone would steal them from the center.
She added that the center is a “real community effort” that makes “so different” for people in MND and their families.
Craige Richardson, director of estates and facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospital, confirmed that staff were working with police last Sunday and that the site had increased security staff.
Mr Richardson told BBC:’We were really disappointed that there were two incidents at the construction site of the new Rob Burrow Motor Neuron Disease Center in Seacroft Hospital involving theft and damage.
“We will always take positive action on criminal activities at hospitals including prosecution.”
Former Rugby League player Rob Burrow and his wife Lindsey took photos on his medal after awarding MBE at Windsor Castle in 2022
Rob Burrow and wife Lindsey (who competed in the half marathon), daughters Macy and Maya and Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield on the BBC
The rugby legend spent the entire club in Leeds and made more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017
Inspector Carl Robinson said: “We are actively pursuing investigations related to these thefts that resonate with people in the community.
“I would urge anyone who contacts us about any information about any incident.”
Leeds East Neighborhood Police Team is now calling on anyone with information, or witnesses of any incident by calling 101 or Online Reference is made by reference 13250276040.
MailOnline has contacted the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and West Yorkshire police.
