Big hearted Brody to walk from Pontefract home to Headingley for Leeds Rhinos' Rob Burrow Fund

A Pontefract schoolboy is ready to take the walk of a lifetime to raise money for his rugby hero.
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Brody Dunning is Leeds Rhino legend Rob Burrow's number one fan and was devastated when news broke of Rob's Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.

After living next door to Rob’s late grandfather, Bobby, for many years in Castleford, Brody formed a friendship with the Rhinos legend.

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Mum, Kate, said: “Rob would visit his grandad before games and as soon as Brody saw his car parked outside he would get so excited and ask if he could call to say hello.

Brody and mum Kate have been taking long walks in preperation for Sunday's mammoth task!Brody and mum Kate have been taking long walks in preperation for Sunday's mammoth task!
Brody and mum Kate have been taking long walks in preperation for Sunday's mammoth task!

“Rob was always super, super nice. He’s such a lovely man and Brody absolutely adores him.”

Brody plays for Lock Lane ARLFC and it was Rob who inspired him to play rugby, even becoming his player sponsor for the last three years.

“When he heard about Rob’s MND diagnosis, Brody was absolutely devastated,” Kate said.

“He asked me what he could do to help him and his family.

Rob is young Brody's hero.Rob is young Brody's hero.
Rob is young Brody's hero.
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“He said Rob had done so much for him, he just wanted to give something back.”

Brody decided to take on seven challenges to raise money - just like his hero’s squad number.

Brody’s first act of generosity was to give his £100 birthday money to the fund organised for Rob and his family.

MORE: Pontefract schoolboy takes on 7 fundraising challenges for his Leeds Rhinos hero Rob BurrowHe then made the brave decision to have his head shave, raising a further £325 for Rob and his family.

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And on Sunday, August 15, Brody, accompanied by mum, will be walking 17-miles from his Pontefract home to Headlingley stadium.

Kate said: "He's very excited about being able to finally do another challenge due to Covid and has been putting in so much effort into training by walking laps around Pontefract Park with me and the poor dog!"

And for this challenge, he will be joined by his friend's dad, Kyle Kesik, who plays for Keighley Cougars.

Kate said: "Brody calls him his rugby dad and he always makes him laugh!"

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Kate added there are even more fundraising events planned, including a 24-hour stay awake and climbing a mountain!

"Anything you can donate as part of his journey would go to Rob and his lovely family."

To donate to Brody's challenge, visit his fundraising page here