Former Leeds Rhinos scrum-half Rob Burrow has vowed to help Doddie Weir raise awareness of motor neurone disease following "unbelievable" support from the ex-Scotland rugby union international in the wake of his own recent diagnosis.
Burrow, who retired after winning his eighth Super League Grand Final at the end of the 2017 season, announced on Thursday he was battling the illness.
But the 37-year-old is encouraged about the future after speaking this week with Weir, who won the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on Sunday, and who released a documentary the following day on his own fight against MND, and his search for a cure.
"How lucky am I to be able to meet somebody who's in the press, has just won an award on Sunday, done a documentary on it and he's gone out of his way for me," said father-of-three Burrow on Weir.
"He's done three years of work, so I've got it at the best time in a way. He had nothing, he had to start doing this. I can't be better off in the circumstances really."
Burrow, who revealed watching Weir on Sports Personality and his documentary were "very inspiring before even meeting him", added: "In fact, if I hadn't have met him, I was still inspired enough to kick on. Just to ask him questions was really interesting."
Today has been a big day for me and my family but I would like you all to know I have read every message and post. I can't explain how overwhelmed I am at the reaction I have had from people throughout our amazing sport.Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! — Rob Burrow (@Rob7Burrow) December 19, 2019
Burrow is now determined to play his part alongside Weir in the ongoing struggle to combat what is at present an incurable disease.
"Listening to Doddie makes you think 'Wow! I will be inundated with people trying to help me'," he said.
"But as Doddie says, what would the postman do, or the guy who works at a shop? They might not get diagnosed for months.
"I got it (diagnosed) in three weeks because I was lucky that I had people who could get me private (health care). Doddie said he had it for a year before he was diagnosed.
Following today's announcement that Rob Burrow has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease a fund will be set up to support Rob in his treatment and his family of three young children under eight.Here is how you can support that now ➡️https://t.co/jb3ZGZDjdC pic.twitter.com/2L470UJVC3 — Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 19, 2019
"Because there's no help for it, I'm more than happy to get on board with Doddie and maybe start something up down here where people can be helped."
Claiming that speaking with Weir "was amazing", Burrow added: "If I could do that in a year's time for somebody that's just started, that's great. Awareness is massive.
"In 10 years' time they might find a cure and heal somebody, so I'm massively keen to help. Life changes now and it'll never be the same, but if I can do what I can with awareness and funds then I'm keen to do that."
🎙 Oh he's ducked under them, Burrow, and he's outstripped Wellens...it's a brilliant Burrow try 👏@Rob7Burrow, one of Super League's greatest – Sit back and enjoy some of his best bits🏅 Find out how you can support Rob & his family 👉 https://t.co/gHsNjy2zdq pic.twitter.com/II5WeS24Qe — Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 19, 2019
Burrow, who made 492 appearances as a one-club man with Leeds, as well as winning 15 caps for England and five for Great Britain, is adamant he now "just wants to get on with life", to such an extent he will continue in his role as head coach of Leeds' reserve team for as long as he is able.
"While I am able-bodied and feel fit, strong and healthy, I want to do normal things and not be treated any differently," said Burrow, who was diagnosed a week ago.
"What I don't want is pity. I think that's the scary thing, that people feel sorry for you. I don't want that, I just want to crack on like normal."
Burrow, who also won the Challenge Cup in 2014 and 2015 with Leeds, as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields, already has the full support from many in the game.
SinfIeld says Rugby League family will be fully behind friend Burrow➡️ https://t.co/N76ssiRPkFDONATE ➡️ https://t.co/jb3ZGZDjdC pic.twitter.com/1eBow6mOfk — Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 19, 2019
Although Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield has declared Burrow's news to be "devastating" and "heartbreaking for Rob and his young family", he has no doubt he will fight the disease with the same bravery he showed on the pitch.
"Throughout his career, Rob overcame the odds to become a legend of the game and I know he will tackle this challenge with the exact same positive determination," said Sinfield.
"As a club, Rob will receive our full support and we will be working with him to chart the way forward."
A GLOWING tribute from Bradford Bulls head coach John Kear on Leeds Rhinos great Rob Burrow – who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Best wishes from everyone at the club to Rob and family, the Rugby League family stands by you. pic.twitter.com/5dk1leWNul — Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) December 19, 2019
Bradford Bulls head coach John Kear said: "It's very sad indeed. I've known Rob for a number of years now. He has always represented the sport with dignity, and his ability speaks for itself.
"Any support we can give Rob from the Bradford Bulls, as a coaching staff, as a playing staff, as a club, then we will give him that.
"I know Rob will fight it, and fight it with all his heart. All we can do is support him in that quest, and we will do that."
Castleford Tigers added: "The best wishes from everybody at the Tigers go to Rob and his family. We'll be doing what we can as a club to help support the fundraising campaign."
