Pontefract schoolboy takes on 7 fundraising challenges for his Leeds Rhinos hero Rob Burrow

After living next door to Rob’s late grandfather, Bobby, for many years in Castleford, Brody formed a friendship with the Leeds 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 was always super, super nice. He’s such a lovely man and Brody absolutely adores him.”

Brody plays for Lock Lane ARLFC and it was Rob who inspired him to play rugby, even becoming his player sponsor for the last three years.

“When he heard about Rob’s MND diagnosis, Brody was absolutely devastated,” Kate said.

“He asked me what he could do to help him and his family.

“He said Rob had done so much for him, he just wanted to give something back.”

Brody’s first act of generosity was to give his £100 birthday money to the fund organised for Rob and his family.

He then made the brave decision to have his head shaved.

Watched by brother Cooper, nine, and two-year-old sister, Isabelle, Brody headed to HeadHunters, the Gentleman’s Quarter, in Pontefract, where the family now live, adding a further £325 to the fundraising pot.

And the Airedale Junior School pupil isn’t stopping there.

He’s decided to take on even more challenges - seven of them in fact - just like his hero’s squad number.

Kate said: “He’s still planning what’s next - maybe a sponsored walk to Headingley, something involving his rugby club and even a ‘stay awake for 24-hours’ challenge.”

“He just loves Rob and wants to do something to help him. They are such a lovely family. They really are the nicest people you could wish to meet.

“And Brody has absolutely bowled me over. He wanted to give something back to his hero and I am just so very proud of him.”