Janine GriffithsA new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to motor neurone disease (MND) care and research has officially opened its doors in East Leeds, marking the fulfilment of rugby league legend Rob Burrow’s final dream.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, based at Seacroft Hospital, stands as a beacon of compassion and innovation for people affected by MND. The centre, which opens on Monday 3 November, was born from Burrow’s determination to create a place where patients are treated as people, not conditions.
Built in less than 18 months, the £6.8 million facility is the first purpose-built MND centre in the country, combining clinical care, research, education, and holistic support under one roof. It will serve patients across Leeds and West Yorkshire, offering vital support for those living with the condition and their families.
The project has deep roots in East Leeds, both geographically and symbolically. Seacroft Hospital, long a hub for community healthcare, now becomes home to a national first in MND care. The building’s design was shaped with input from patients, families, and clinicians, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and dignity.
Dr Agam Jung, Consultant Neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Director of the new centre, said: “It has been five years since the germination of the idea to build this centre – a legacy of Rob’s strength, his family’s support, and the compassion of an entire community. I’m so grateful to so many people who have worked together to make this dream a reality.
“I was very pleased when Rob fully embraced the Leeds MND Service ethos of ‘Living in the Now’. He wanted to leave a legacy for people to be able to do so, and this has spread across the MND community. All of us who work in this incredible new centre will focus on providing the very best care and community for families and patients to do just that.”
The centre was made possible by a huge fundraising effort led by Leeds Hospitals Charity, with more than 17,000 donors contributing. Much of the momentum came from Rob’s former teammate Kevin Sinfield, whose long-distance endurance challenges captured national attention and inspired thousands to give.
Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “When we launched the fundraising appeal with Dr Jung and the Burrow family in September 2021, we could have never imagined the outpouring of support it would receive, from right across the country. In just three years, we were able to reach the £6.8 million target.
“This centre has only been made possible thanks to each and every person who donated, and as well as being a lasting legacy for our late patron, Rob Burrow CBE, it is also a legacy to all of you who got behind our appeal.”
The design of the centre was heavily influenced by Rob’s wife, Lindsey – a physiotherapist with Leeds Teaching Hospitals and his parents, Geoff and Irene. For the first time, the Leeds MND Service will have dedicated research space, with two major studies due to begin in early 2026.
Craige Richardson, Director of Estates and Facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “Just 18 months ago we placed spades in the ground here, and now this state-of-the-art centre is complete, created with Rob’s vision to make MND care better for not just every patient living with MND, but for those families and carers who support them.”
The MND Association has also partnered with the hospital trust to provide funding for new specialist roles, including a research nurse who will help expand MND research opportunities in Leeds.
Sally Hughes, Director of Services and Partnerships at the MND Association, said: “The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease marks a transformative moment in care for people with MND in Leeds and across West Yorkshire. This purpose-built facility, inspired by our late patron, will provide a supportive and compassionate environment for everyone affected by MND.”
Beyond its national importance, the centre promises to have a lasting impact locally. For East Leeds residents, it brings jobs, research activity, and access to world-class care close to home. For many, it’s also a poignant reminder of what a city can achieve when it pulls together.
To learn more about the centre or to donate, visit www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/mnd
