The van, which allows Rob Burrow to travel in his wheelchair, was damaged on Friday night
Rugby league star and motor neurone disease fundraiser Rob Burrow’s wheelchair accessible van was vandalised while his family were out for a Christmas meal, his father has said.
Geoff Burrow said his son had been out in Castleford, West Yorkshire, on Friday when the vehicle was targeted.
“They made quite a lot of deep scratches on the back of the van where we wheel Rob in on the ramp,” he said.
He described the culprits as “cowards”.
The family had been out for an evening meal at the Rockello restaurant in the Glasshoughton area and found the damage at about 21:00 GMT.
Following a tweet sent by Rob’s father, the family said they have been inundated with offers to pay for the repairs and businesses willing to carry out the work for free.
Image source, Geoff Burrow
The vehicle, pictured in March, now has “deep scratches” on the rear door
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Burrow said: “How anybody can do anything like that, it clearly had a disability sign on it and Rob’s disability badges on the front.
“The outpouring of kindness shows you that there’s more nice people than scumbags like this person, but we could have done without it – we’re going through enough without having to deal with this.”
He said the vehicle was parked near the restaurant and was not obstructing any driveways or on any yellow lines.
“It spoilt a good night out, they’re cowards,” he said.
“How could someone do it to a disability van, how they sleep is their problem I suppose.”
Well oh well – my family went out, with my wonderful Son Rob, for a lovely meal at Rockello’s in Glasshoughton Castleford tonight.Unfortunately a disgrace of a person decided to scratch all over Rob’s Disability van 🥲how low are some people hey ! Sleep well you scum of a person
— Geoff Burrow (@burrow_geoff) December 23, 2022
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West Yorkshire Police has been asked to comment.
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