Dave Fishwick offers to repair Rob Burrow's vandalised van

Mr Fishwick, best known for his Bank of Dave community bank for people in his hometown, made his millions selling mini-buses.

And after news was shared on Twitter of Rob Burrow’s minivan being vandalised while he was out with family for a meal in Castleford, West Yorkshire, Mr Fishwick has offered to repair it free of charge.

Rob Burrow’s father, Geoff Burrow, said on Twitter on December 23: “Well oh well - my family went out, with my wonderful son Rob, for a lovely meal at Rockello’s in Glasshoughton, Castleford, tonight.

Rob Burrow in his playing days with Leeds Rhinos (Image: PA)

“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.”

The van, which makes it easier to transport Rob in his wheelchair, had deep scratches in the bodywork.

Mr Burrow added: “It’s unbelievable how low some people can be.

“It had the disability cards in the front and they weren’t parked in any unauthorised space, on yellow lines or blocking people.

“They’d had a really good night – Rob enjoyed it, they all enjoyed it – but it makes you angry, it’s upsetting. It’s one thing after another. You could do without it.”

Dave Fishwick

Upon seeing the news, Dave Fishwick reached out, saying: “I’ve read this terrible story about what happened to Rob Burrow’s wheelchair accessible minibus.

“I own a company that specialises in minibuses and I will fix Rob’s bus for free. [He] does so much for good causes, it will be great to help him!”

Friend and former team mate of Burrow, Barrie McDermott, was among the scores of people who praised and thanked Mr Fishwick for his offer.

He said: “Heartwarming to see there are still some decent people in this world, good on you.”

Rob Burrow enjoyed a glittering career with Leeds Rhinos, playing more than 500 games and winning eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenges.

Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, who together have raised millions for MND research (Image: PA)

He twice won the Harry Sunderland man of the match award in the Super League Grand Final and won 20 international caps for England and Great Britain, before retiring in 2017.

Burrow won the hearts of Leeds fans and rugby league fans in general due to his diminutive stature – at just 5ft 5ins in a sport full of giants –combined with his electric pace and agility.

Two years after his retirement, he revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and alongside late rugby union player Doddie Weir and ex-footballer Stephen Darby was prominent in raising awareness and funds to fight the disease, which has no cure.

In 2021, Rob, 40, was awarded an MBE for services to MND awareness and at this year’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards was presented the Helen Rollason Award for his work alongside his ex-team mate, Oldham’s Kevin Sinfield, in raising money to fight MND.

Sinfield also received a special award at the ceremony for his fundraising efforts, which have included seven marathons in seven days, running 101 miles in 24 hours, and most recently seven ultra-marathons in seven days.