Year 7 Rugby Player Runs 31 Miles for MND After Rob Burrow’s Death

Ethan Shaw, a 12-year-old student at Hathershaw College, has spent January running 31 miles to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease research, inspired by rugby legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield.

The Year 7 pupil, who plays second-row prop for Oldham Rugby Union, Higginshaw Rugby League Club and Oldham Town Rugby League Youth Team, has balanced his challenge with three weekly training sessions and weekend matches. “I love rugby and I’m a huge fan of Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, who were both extraordinary rugby players,” Ethan said. “Since Rob passed away recently, I was inspired by Kevin’s efforts to support him during his illness and the fundraising he has undertaken to raise both money and awareness for MND.”

What started as a £150 fundraising goal has ballooned to over £600 raised, with just ten miles left to complete. “It means everything because they are my favourite players, and I feel proud to get out there and help others, making their lives better,” Ethan added.

Mark Giles, Principal of Hathershaw College, praised the student’s initiative: “We are so proud of Ethan. He is a really good lad who always thinks about others. His commitment to rugby and his willingness to use his athletic abilities to raise money for such a worthwhile cause is commendable. Kevin Sinfield is a member of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, of which Hathershaw is a part, and I know he would thoroughly approve of what Ethan is doing as part of the Pinnacle family.”

Ethan plans to continue fundraising, saying: “I might do some more for MND, but I am also considering supporting other causes, such as cancer charities, to help as many people as possible.”

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