Fundraising Brody is on the ball for his hero Rob Burrow with #7thingsfornumber7 challenge

In January this year, the 11-year-old set himself a challenge to raise as much as possible for his hero after the Leeds Rhino's legend was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

After living next door to Rob’s late grandfather, Bobby, for many years in Castleford, Brody formed a friendship with the Rhinos legend.

Mum, Kate, said: “Rob would visit his grandad before games and as soon as Brody saw his car parked outside he would get so excited and ask if he could call to say hello.

“Rob is always super, super nice. He’s such a lovely man and Brody absolutely adores him.”

Brody, a pupil at Castleford High School, has already completed two challenges, raising almost £1,000.

He's walked from his Pontefract home to Headingley , had his head shaved and even gave his £100 birthday money to the fund organised for Rob and his family.

Now, for his next challenge, Brody is holding a raffle - and the generosity of people have been overwhelming for him and his family.

Mum Kate said: "When he heard about Rob’s MND diagnosis, Brody was absolutely devastated. He asked me what he could do to help him and his family.

"He doesn't see himself as anything special, he just thinks it's something he should be doing. For Rob.

"He's raised £785 after two challenges and his aim is now to get to £1,000 after his third one - which I think should be a breeze!"

The huge raffle will be held on January 30 and after posting his efforts on Facebook, the donations have been flying in with more than 60 prizes being offered.

"We've had CCTV cameras donated, two composite doors, signed boots from Paul McShane, hampers, dog grooming, pamper sessions, car valeting...the list goes on.I had to do a spreadsheet to keep up with it all," Kate said.

"Brody is so excited to almost be at the £1,000 mark. He's in shock really and is so grateful for people's support, but he has no clue as to how much of a special boy he is for doing this for Rob. We really are so proud of him.

"As soon as he gets in from school, he does his homework and he's asking me what donations he's had, how much he's raised and what we can do next - all to help Rob.

"He is absolutely his hero - and what better role model could you ask for than Rob?

You can follow Brody's challenges on his Facebook page here where you can get tickets for the raffle.