A FORMER New Earswick All Blacks player has already raised over £1,000 ahead of this weekend’s fundraiser in support of Rob Burrow.

Simon Baynes’ fundraiser will see groups of six people head out on seven-mile walks, all in aid of rugby league legend Burrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December.

A BBC documentary, ‘Rob Burrow: My Year with MND’, released last month has since inspired many charitable initiatives.

Baynes said: “I support Leeds Rhinos and I sponsor some of the players over there.

“I didn’t sponsor Rob, but this season I sponsored Adam Cuthbertson (who will join York City Knights in 2021), so I’ve always had a connection with the club.

“We decided that we wanted to do our bit to raise money for research into MND.

“With Rob playing number seven, we thought that it would be a good idea to do a seven-mile run or a seven-kilometre walk on November 7 at 7am.

“There’s been so much positivity around this because Rob transcends the sport.

“No matter who you support, everyone always liked him as a player, especially the character and the bravery that he showed.”

£1,040 has been raised so far, with Baynes hoping for more still as the challenge nears.

Baynes added: “Our estimate amount was £777. But having raised £1,000 already, I think we’ll be able to double that.

“We asked people to leave a donation of £7, but so many have donated more than that.

“We’re expecting to raise a lot more, with people donating once they’ve done their run.

“Hopefully people in the rugby community in York will get involved.”

To support the cause, visit: www.uk.gofundme.com/f/robbies-run