Rob Burrow's disability van was vandalised while he was out for a Christmas meal with family, his father Geoff Burrow has revealed.
The former Leeds Rhinos star was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, two years after hanging up his boots, and was earlier this week honoured at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, winning the Helen Rollason Award.
Dad Geoff shared details of the despicable act of vandalism on Twitter, writing: "Well oh well - my family went out, with my wonderful son Rob, for a lovely meal at Rockello’s in Glasshoughton Castleford tonight. Unfortunately a disgrace of a person decided to scratch all over Rob’s disability van. How low are some people hey ! Sleep well you scum of a person."
Former England and Great Britain international Paul Sculthorpe and ex-Leeds Rhinos star Barrie McDermott was among those who showed their support.
"Some people have no morals in life Geoff, karma will catch up with them," he wrote. "You, your family and that legend of a son just keep showing the way and inspiring have a lovely Christmas x".
Burrow junior and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield were both honoured at the SPOTY ceremony, when Rob gave an emotional acceptance speech.
"I'm inspired to keep going by my friend Kevin Sinfield, the guy who makes the impossible possible, and my family as a whole who have put their family on hold to care for me, especially my beautiful wide Lindsey and my amazing kids," Rob said. "Lindsey did not expect to sign up for this but she puts me first and foremost. I'm not here without her sacrifice. Lastly, this is for all the MND warriors out there, we will not stop with finding a cure. Thanks for your help."
Sinfield, who has raised more than £7million for motor neurone disease funds, added. "Rob is probably the most inspirational bloke in the UK. He has inspired us to be better friends. In sport and certainly in rugby, the connections you make, the friends don't just stop when the whistle goes. Sport is powerful enough to bring communities together. What we witnessed was a nation that cared about the MND community. MND isn't incurable, it's just underfunded. We've got to keep fighting. We will keep banging the drum."
READ NEXT:
Rob Howley and double Grand Slam winner both in frame to join Warren Gatland's Wales coaching team
New rugby laws announced for 2023 as host of changes coming
Wales international gutted by huge talent's exit amid 'nightmare mess'
Lion calls for 'scumbag' to be sacked and coach blown away by Welsh rugby's 'best player'
