A super-fundraiser who organised an ‘army’ to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) has met the rugby superstars who inspired him.
Richard Brailsford, from Witney, founded the MND Army of family and friends to take on monster challenges to raise funds for research into the incurable disease.
It followed the death of his dad Chris.
He met former Leeds Rhinos rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield whose efforts to raise awareness of the disease have captured the hearts of the nation.
Mr Brailsford described meeting Mr Burrow, who was struck down with MND in his 30s, as one of the best moments of his life.
He met Mr Burrow, who received a CBE in the New Year Honours, at The Masked Entertainer Charity Gala Dinner in Leeds
He said: "He's my number one hero. Meeting Rob and his wife Lindsey was one of the highlights of my sister's and my life.
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"He is an inspiration as well as our own hero, the same for Dad, and others going through MND."
Mr Burrow and his friend Mr Sinfield have raised £15million for MND with the latter famously running 101 miles in 24 hours for his former team-mate amongst other endurance charity efforts.
The pair were recently surprised by Prince William who turned up in person to give them their CBEs during a meeting in Leeds.
"When I heard that he had horrific MND I wanted to help raise money even more.
"I also met Adam Hills from Channel 4's The Last Leg, and ex Premier League player Dominic Matteo. But Rob is symbolic due to his MND battle."
Mr Brailsford himself has taken on his own endurance challenges, and the MND Army hit a milestone fundraising total of £50,000 on New Year's Eve.
He said: "It's in the year we're calling 'A decade without Dad'.
"We have completed all sorts of challenges, ranging from endurance bike challenges, walks and runs, along with fun events at local pubs and restaurants.
"I had the privilege last year of meeting and speaking with Princess Anne about our work.
“Through the fundraising we started in Witney, we have formed a network of people that span across England and Wales."
He also praised "great friend and legendary fundraiser" Stuart Bates, from Abingdon.
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He and Charlotte Nichols completed 102 individual Olympic events during the 17 days of Tokyo 2020, raising £300,000 for MND.
They took on the feat in memory of Mr Bates' brother, Spencer, who died in 2011 of MND, aged 49.
Mr Brailsford said: "We can't bring Dad back. However, our continued drive is to help find a cure, so one day others won't go through what Dad and so many others have gone through.
"There is no cure for MND and in 2024 that is unacceptable. Half diagnosed die within two years and average life expectancy is around three years.
"Friends and kind strangers have been so generous with their support. They are the reason that we have hit £50,000.
"I'm just the gobby one."
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