Rugby enthusiast kicking for Burrow to raise vital funds

Andrew Naumenko, 36, from Shevington has set out to take one kick from every Super League and Championship stadium in the UK prior to the start of the 2023 season, and will be attempting to get a player to join him at each venue.

The story of Rob Burrow is one that has touched everyone, particularly fans of rugby league, after he was diagnosed in December 2019 with MND – an illness with no cure and limited treatment.

Each kick will be taken from the touchline to represent the challenge that Rob faces, demonstrating that not everything is as easy as a kick in front of the posts.

Andrew hopes to get as many people involved by attempting their own kicks at local clubs or parks and making a small donation to his just giving page for each successful attempt.

Andrew said: “I want to raise awareness for Rob and get involved in a sport that he loved, he was also a great kicker during his playing career!

"I started going to my local park and club during lockdown as something to do, I started videoing these kicks as a bit of fun and eventually got spotted by a large social media page.”

Greats of both codes have endorsed his efforts, including Paul Sculthorpe MBE who supplied balls and kit for the event, along with rugby union hero Jonny Wilkinson – who sent a video message of support accompanying his own kick.

Andrew has already completed one venue of his tour of rugby league stadiums, as he visited the Halliwell Jones and was joined by the Cook Islands mens national team.

For further information and videos covering the fund-raiser, head over to Andre’s instagram page @athelitesandc

Andrew said: “The Rob Burrow story has shown just how common the illness is.

“We need to raise money to continue to fund research for a cure but to also make sure that people are more aware of the condition.”