Wigan Warriors fans follow in the footsteps of Leeds Rhinos legends with amazing fundraising effort for MND
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 16/09/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Semi Final - Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos - DW Stadium, Wigan, England - Wigan & Leeds stand for a minute s silence to remember the the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second. Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos SWP-1854-0006
Ben Poulain is from a family of Wigan Warriors fans but sadly his another member of the rugby league community who is impacted by the awful illness Motor Neurone Disease.
MND is a cause that is dear to rugby league fans across the country due to the efforts of Leeds Rhinos legends Rob Burrow – who was diagnosed in December 2019 – and Kevin Sinfield – who has raised £7 million in the fight against it.
Ben’s wife Sarah’s father Peter Hargreaves sadly passed away in 2015 from MND well before Burrow and Sinfield brought greater attention to the illness.
Now Ben is hoping to do his part in the fight against MND with a great fundraising effort.
“My husband is doing a huge walk from Lands’ End to Manchester to raise money for motor neurone disease in memory of my dad who passed away is 2015, the walk is being done for what would have been his 60th birthday,” wife Sarah said to Serious About Rugby League.
“When dad was ill the awareness of the disease wasn’t a patch on what it is today and that’s thanks to the incredible work Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and the whole rugby league community have done.
“Being Wigan fans ourselves we know just how powerful this community can be.”
She went on to explain the plan for the fundraiser:
“He’s currently in training and hoping to set off from Lands’ End on Monday 3rd June 2024, Dad’s 60th would have been just 7th so will be walking through that, the plan is to walk a lot of the walking trails up the country staying in hotels on the way, he will return in time for a fundraising party for dad’s 60th on Saturday 15th June 2024, he is currently planning the route as we speak.
“We also have a fundraising group with virtual and in person events and fundraising.”
