MND 'Thank You' England Rugby League supporters

England Rugby League and official kit partner Oxen are pleased to announce a donation of £25,000 to the MND Association (Motor Neurone Disease Association) thanks to the generosity of England supporters. 

April’s international double-header against France at Warrington was the launchpad for a game-wide fundraising effort in aid of the MND Association, with England's Men and Women wearing specially designed MND kits inspired by an England shirt closely associated with the former England half-back Rob Burrow MBE. From every shirt sale £10 went to the MND Association, along with £2.50 from every England v France match ticket, while volunteers from the charity carried out a bucket collection outside the stadium on the day.  

RL Commercial Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, says: "5,000 people in the UK are living with MND today and the generosity of England Rugby League supporters takes the MND Association a step nearer to finding a cure. Thank you to everybody who made a shirt purchase, bought a ticket and donated to the collection on matchday.”  

Regional Fundraiser at the MND Association, Jenn Scribbins, says: “Awareness opportunities like these are few and far between so we are incredible grateful to England Rugby League and their kit supplier Oxen for choosing to shine a spotlight on MND and the MND Association on an international stage.   

The atmosphere on the day was electric and it was so special to see our patron and, rugby league legend Rob Burrow MBE, watching from the stands. The total raised will make such a difference to our work supporting people affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”  

OXEN CEO, Lee Jenkinson, adds: “We are delighted to continue our support of the MND Association through the generosity of the Rugby League family. Over the past three years, we’ve supported a variety of charities through our relationship with England Rugby League and we look forward to continuing to do so in the coming years.”   

Through Rob Burrow the MND Association and the Rugby League share a common bond which has inspired several outstanding fundraising efforts for MND research, most notably those involving his long-time friend and Leeds Rhinos colleague Kevin Sinfield OBE.?England’s relationship with the MND Association in 2023 follows support for the Mose Masoe Foundation in 2021 and the Tongan tsunami relief in 2022. 

Sue Lodge from the MND community will receive a cheque for £25,000 from Jamie Jones-Buchanan, on behalf of England Rugby League, at half-time during tonight’s (Friday 23 June) Betfred Super League game between Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants at Headingley Stadium.