Two big-hearted clubs in Baldock and Letchworth have raised more £2,000 for the Hertfordshire branch for research into Motor Neurone Disease.

Baldock Folk Club raised nearly £1,400 with their annual Folk Around the Tree event at the Orange Tree in the town, while Letchworth Rugby Club weighed in with a further £800 from auction and raffles.

The common influence is Brian Burke, president of Letchworth Rugby Club, who with Viv Lucas organised the Folk event in Baldock.

Modest Brian, who is a popular presence in our community, said: "I must thank the generosity of the members of both clubs who again have dug deep in these difficult times to raise funds to find a cure for this most horrendous of afflictions.

"Thanks also to all the artists who played and gave their services for free with liberal liquid refreshment from the pub." 

MND has made the headlines through the plight of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2019.

Through the work of former Leeds Rhino teammate Kevin Sinfield and so many others, including Baldock Folk Club and Letchworth Rugby Club, more than £8m has been raised to help fund research into the affliction. Of which an impressive £2,000 can now be added from our area to such a worthy cause.

Kent Allen, the chairman of Herts Motor Neurone Disease Association, added: "Folk Around the Tree is a great event and I must thank Brian and Viv for all the work they put in to raise funds for the Association - and also the Orange Tree and Rugby Club who have helped to raise over £2000.

"These resources will be put to good use for those suffering from MND." 

In addition BRIAN will be releasing his box set of 4CDs at the folk club next Wednesday November 22 nd from 7 o clock , again at the Orange Tree BALDOCK . These represent forty years of tunes and songs and any profits will go to the MND cause