Former Rugby League star Rob Burrow has had his wheelchair accessible van vandalised while out for a meal with his family.
The former Leeds Rhinos legend – who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) back in December 2019, and has been part of a high-profile fundraising campaign alongside his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield ever since – was out with his family enjoying a meal in Castleford in Wakefield this past Friday (23 December) when the van was targeted.
Rob’s father Geoff Burrow took to Twitter to reveal what happened, and call out the “disgrace of a person” who carried out the act of vandalism.
“Well oh well – my family went out with my wonderful son Rob for a lovely meal at Rockello’s in Glasshoughton in Castleford tonight [but] unfortunately a disgrace of a person decided to scratch all over Rob’s Disability van,” Geoff wrote on Twitter.
“How low are some people hey, sleep well you scum of a person.”
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Geoff told the BBC that the vehicle was parked near the restaurant and was not obstructing any driveways or on any yellow lines, but the vandal made “quite a lot of deep scratches on the back of the van where we wheel Rob in on the ramp”.
“It spoilt a good night out, they’re cowards,” Geoff added.
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“How could someone do it to a disability van? How they sleep is their problem I suppose.”
Rob is believed to have owned the vehicle since around March 2022, and it has been a crucial part of his mobility as his condition has continued to deteriorate.
Since Geoff spoke out about the incident on social media, the Burrow family said they have been inundated with offers from members of the public to pay for the repairs and businesses willing to carry out the work for free.
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“The outpouring of kindness shows you that there’s more nice people than scumbags like this person,” Geoff added.
“But we could have done without it.
“We’re going through enough without having to deal with this.”
Just last week, Rob and Kevin Sinfield were both honoured at this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony.
It comes after the ex-rugby stars turned campaigners have both gone on to become truly inspiring individuals by raising millions for the Motor Neuron Disease Association (MNDA) and other charities in the last few years.
Featured Image – Leeds Council
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.