One of the many inspirational themes of Rob Burrow’s attitude to his affliction with Motor Neurone Disease has been his emphasis on the many who are also suffering, but without the same level of public attention.
John Edmondson, a passionate Salford Red Devils supporter from Urmston, is a classic example of that.
And like Rob, he’s determined to do all he can to raise awareness of MND, and funds for the research into treatment.
John, who ran a hairdressing salon in Monton for 30 years, is now 61 – but he’s teamed up with his friend Paul Donegan in a joint physical challenge which started this week, for their own version of the MND 1000 Challenge.
John has set himself the challenge of doing 100 press-ups a day for 10 consecutive days, starting on Wednesday November 18 and finishing on Friday November 27 – the date of the 2020 Betfred Super League Grand Final, and also next year’s Rugby League World Cup Finals at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile Paul will be cycling 100 minutes each day – and they have thrown open the challenge to their friends in Salford and beyond to lend their support.
“I think everyone in Rugby League has been inspired by what Rob Burrow has done to raise awareness of MND, and it’s typical of John that he was determined to do his bit,” Paul explained.
“We’d have loved to be at Wembley cheering on the Red Devils But just as Rob was the Chief Guest and supporting Leeds in absentia, we had to support Salford from a distance – and we were proud of the efforts of the lads, first in getting to Wembley for the first time in 51 years, and then with their contribution to a great game of Rugby League in the Final.
“For John to do 100 press-ups a day for 10 consecutive days will be an amazing effort, as anyone with a knowledge of MND will know.
“We think Rugby League fans have developed a greater knowledge of the disease through Rob Burrow’s condition, and it’s been great to see so much money raised for the MND Association. Hopefully we can do our bit to maintain that momentum.”
To give your support, donate at the link below - or even better, join the team and set up your own Justgiving page for your challenge: justgiving.com/team/MND1000Challenge.
The MND1000 Challenge will be promoted through social media channels and the facebook page is facebook.com/THEMND1000.
