Inspired by former Rugby League star Rob Burrow – and his own teenage sons – dad Richard Shaw is running the London Marathon on Sunday to raise money for the MND Association.
Richard, who describes himself as a “rugby lad through and through”, is taking on his first ever marathon and has already raised double his £3,000 target.
Richard, who helps out with Moldgreen ARLFC under-16s where both his sons Roman and Riley play, has been inspired to run for the charity by former Leeds Rhinos star Rob, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, two years after retiring from the sport.
On Rob’s 40th birthday on Monday, his best friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield announced the third leg of his iron man challenges to raise money for MND research.
Sinfield has already raised over £5 million and in November will run over 60km a day for seven days from Murrayfield in Edinburgh to Old Trafford, Manchester.
Richard said: “I’m fundraising for the MND Association because of Rob and Kev. I’ve always admired their passion for rugby.
“I didn’t know anything about MND until Rob was diagnosed and I always loved watching him as a player. He was small but had a massive heart. I hope that Rob would feel happy that I’m using his name to raise money to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
“I met Rob last year and I can honestly say it was one of the most inspiring moments of my life.”
Back in December 2020 Richard’s sons – Roman then aged 15 and Riley, 13 – ran seven miles a day for seven days raising £4,000.
Not that he’s ultra-competitive but proud dad Richard is chuffed to have beaten his sons’ fundraising total to prove he’s “top dog!”
To donate go to Richard’s JustGiving page HERE
