Black Sheep Brewery launches new beer in support of Rob Burrow to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease

It now runs the Rob Burrow Racing Club, supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust, which was set up to support Rob and his young family after the former Leeds Rhinos player was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019.

Ten pence from every pint and bottle of Burrow’s Blonde that is sold will go towards the charities.

Phil Hawthorne, the brains behind The Good Racing Co, said: “The number one thing for me is to continue to raise awareness of MND. The MND community is a large one. Projects like ours are another step on the ladder of continuing to raise awareness. The more people can enjoy the beer, think about Rob and think about MND, they’re helping the overall cause. It’s very humbling [to be involved]. Both Rob and his wife Lindsey are inspirational characters and being able to help is great.”

The Burrow family, Leeds Rhinos stars and the Good Racing Co were among people who celebrated the launch of the beer at the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire today (August 8).

Lindsey Burrow said: “This is a great opportunity for people to support Rob by simply buying a beer and enjoying a drink with loved ones...The whole family are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Barrie McDermott, Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob, described the beer as “yet another way to get behind our little mate Rob Burrow and his family in their battle against MND”. “I’m in my element here, drinking beer whilst raising funds to support Rob, what’s not to love,” he added.

‘Burrow’s Blonde’ is a 3.7% abv light and zesty session beer available in cask and 500ml bottle, now available on the brewery’s online shop and at pubs, rugby clubs and race venues across the UK.

Dan Scott Paul, head brewer at Black Sheep Brewery, said: “When Phil approached us with this idea we knew we had to get involved to support this great cause and a true Yorkshire legend in the best way we know how – with a great beer.

“Burrow’s Blonde is a cracking pint, but the story behind it is so much more than that. Many of us are Rugby League fans and are familiar with Rob’s story. Our aim is to use our brewing credentials to raise as much money as possible for Rob and to raise awareness for MND.”

Rob’s charity horse, Burrow Seven, has helped to raise nearly £180,000 for charity. Since retiring, the horse has continued the good work by becoming an equine welfare and therapy horse.

Phil said: “What began as Rob’s charity horse, Burrow Seven, has transformed into the Rob Burrow Racing Club, something completely unique in the racing community. With The Good Racing Co, we aim to redefine racing as an all-inclusive sport that motivates and excites people, especially when racing for good causes.”

An inspiration to families up and down the country, Rob announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Since then, he has championed raising awareness of the disease through various charitable initiatives and supportive organisations, helping to raise millions for those suffering.

Rob’s services to rugby league and the Motor Neurone Disease community were formally acknowledged when he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 New Years Honours List.

Supporters can buy Burrow’s Blonde from the online Black Sheep shop at www.blacksheepbrewery.com