Alan Shearer leads calls for Rob Burrow award as rugby legend nominated for NTA

Alan Shearer has led calls for the public to vote for Rob Burrow after the rugby league legend's inspirational documentary was nominated for a National Television Award.

Rob Burrow: My Year with MND touched the hearts of the British public when it aired last Autumn, and the programme has now been shortlisted in the authored documentary category of the prestigious awards.

And shortly after the news broke last night Shearer, 51, was quick to declare where his vote would be going.

"You're amazing Rob," tweeted the BBC football pundit.

"You have my vote. Come on everyone make it happen."

Indeed, it is likely there will be no shortage of support for Burrow, who publicly revealed in 2019 he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

In the documentary, the 38-year-old spoke candidly about his fight against the condition and how is rugby league career had prepared him for the challenge.

Burrow and his family were clearly emotional when informed about the nomination live on air by BBC Breakfast reporter Sally Nugent, and immediately confirmed they would be attending the ceremony.

Afterwards, the Leeds Rhinos legend said he hoped the publicity would boost his quest to find a cure for motor neurone disease.

"I am delighted to have been nominated for a National Television Award for our documentary," he said.

"Since my diagnosis I have always said I want to use my voice to help others living with motor neurone disease and that is what I'll continue to do. There is no cure so I am determined to help families like mine.

"Thank you for your support from me, my family and everyone living with MND. Your vote could lead to a cure in the long run."

Burrow spent 16 years playing for Leeds in the Super League before retiring in 2017.

The scrum half won eight league titles and two Challenge Cups in his career, was named in the Super League Dream Team on three occasions and won the Harry Sunderland trophy twice.

In December last year, he was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List for his services to rugby league and the motor neurone disease, and in March was given the honorary degree of Doctor of Sport Science by Leeds Beckett University.

And now he is in line to be honoured further at the National Television Awards, with the ceremony taking place at The 02 Arena on September 9.

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