A new dahlia variety named in honour of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow CBE is now in bloom at The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, after 79-year-old Barnsley grower Robert Hendley donated plants to Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Hendley is a retired professional dahlia grower who has spent many years developing new varieties, several of which are registered with the Royal Horticultural Society.
He has exhibited at hundreds of major flower shows over the years, winning more than 200 Gold and Large Gold medals along with numerous trophies, and has raised over £8,000 for charity by naming his varieties after different people.
A personal connection
His tribute to Rob Burrow was both sporting and personal.
“I’ve always been a fan of Rob and enjoyed watching him tear apart defences over the years at Leeds Rhinos, but I also have a personal connection to MND,” Hendley said.
He explained that while working as an adventure training instructor in the forces during the 1980s, he worked alongside a friend, Martin, who was “enthusiastic and full of life” but died after being diagnosed with MND in his late twenties, leaving behind a young son.
“It was heartbreaking to watch him lose his ability to do anything for himself,” Hendley said. “Back then no one had heard of MND or knew much about it, but now, thanks to Rob raising awareness, people know about the condition.”
The dahlias are now in bloom for patients, families and colleagues at Seacroft to enjoy. A closed Facebook group is also available for anyone affected by MND in the Leeds area.
