Black Sheep releases charity beer for ex-Rugby League star

Rob Burrow MBE captained Leeds Rhinos to a Super League Grand Final in 2017 and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) two years later.

Burrow’s Blonde has been launched in partnership with the Good Racing Co – a fundraising business in which people can join a horse racing club for a 12-month period to raise funds for good causes through horse racing.

The Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust and the Rob Burrow Racing Club charities will receive 10p from every pint and bottle of Burrow’s Blonde and Burrow, his family, Leeds Rhinos stars and the Good Racing Co among those who celebrated the launch of the 3.7% ABV “light & zesty beer” at the brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire.

Incredibly proud​

Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Barrie McDermott said: “I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of Burrow’s Blonde, a fantastic beer for a fantastic cause, it’s 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 while raising funds to support Rob, what’s not to love?”

Burrow’s Blonde, which is said to have an aroma of grapefruit, lemon and orange, and tastes of “bright and bitter citrus fruit with soft, light maltiness” is available in cask and 500ml bottle at pubs, rugby clubs and race venues across the UK.

Rob’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, added: “Being here with the whole family, Rob’s former Leeds Rhinos team-mates, Burrow’s former racehorse ‘Burrow Seven’ and the Good Racing Co team is really special. The whole family are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Completely unique​

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

Phil Hawthorne, the brains behind The Good Racing Co, 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.

Black Sheep Brewery Head brewer Dan Scott Paul added: “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.”