Big-hearted Barrie takes on Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in tribute to his cherished friend

Saddleworth-based former professional rugby league player Barrie McDermott is set to run the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of his great friend, Rob Burrow.

Fifty-two-year-old Barrie will be part of a seven-strong team of friends and family, including his son Billy who was coached by Rob at Leeds Rhinos, his friend Rob Norbury, former Hollyoaks actor, and footballer Marcus Stewart.

Together, they are fundraising for Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

As a close friend of the Burrow family, Barrie has been a dedicated supporter of their fundraising and awareness efforts since Rob’s MND diagnosis in September, 2019.

Over the years, Barrie has taken part in numerous events, including the Burrow Strictly Ball, where he won the coveted glitterball trophy in 2022 for his Thriller-inspired dance routine.

His efforts have helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for MND charities, including the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal.

Now, Barrie is swapping his dancing shoes for running trainers as he prepares to tackle 26.2 miles at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon for the second time on May 11, with a fundraising goal of £7,777 in honour of Rob.

Speaking about his motivation to continue fundraising, Barrie said: “I hate running. I hate dancing.

"Yet somehow, I always end up doing both for Rob’s amusement.

"Now, even without a voice, he’s still managing to shout at me… ‘Run, fat boy, run!’ I swear I can hear him laughing every step of the way."

For Barrie, wearing number 7 isn’t just a number - it’s a symbol of honour and responsibility.

It represents the enduring legacy of Rob Burrow and the ongoing fight against MND.

Barrie has been inspired fellow fundraisers like fellow Oldhamer Kevin Sinfield and thousands of others.

He said: “Wearing number 7 is a privilege.

"It reminds me daily of the strength and determination that Rob and so many others have shown in the face of MND.

"By running these 26.2 miles, I’m not just pushing myself physically - I’m carrying forward a legacy of hope and resilience.

"This run is for Rob, for his family, and for every MND warrior out there.

"I’m humbled to represent the Rob Burrow Centre, and I stand with all those who continue this fight.”

The funds raised by Barrie and his team will enable Leeds Hospitals Charity to continue supporting the Leeds MND service for years to come - a commitment that was powerfully demonstrated when the charity reached its £6.8 million fundraising target in December 2024 to build the specialist centre.

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity, praised Barrie’s dedication, adding: “Barrie got behind our appeal from the very start and has thrown himself into fundraising for his friend Rob.

"He has pushed himself out of his comfort zone - swapping the rugby pitch for the dance floor and now taking on one of the toughest marathons in the country - all in honour of the late, great Rob Burrow.

"I’d like to wish Barrie and his team the very best of luck, and I look forward to cheering them on at the finish line.”

Support Barrie and his team by donating to their fundraising page here

Barrie played as a prop in the 1990s and 2000s.

A Great Britain international representative prop, he played his club football at Oldham, Wigan, the Leeds Rhinos, Bramley and the Widnes Vikings.

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