Gel Ovations Proudly Took Part in a Major Moment for Specialist MND Care
Gel Ovations proudly took part in a major moment for specialist MND care. We became the first equipment manufacturer invited to present at the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. This invitation marked an important step in our growing partnership with the Centre.
Yesterday, our team delivered hands-on pressure care training for the Centre’s clinical staff. We focused on Okapi Gel for Head Drop Syndrome and our Made to Measure Service. These solutions help clinicians manage complex postural and pressure care needs. In addition, they show how tailored products can support people living with MND more effectively.
We want to thank Ally Whelan and the entire team at the Rob Burrow Centre for their warm welcome. Because of their openness and enthusiasm, the session felt collaborative and productive. Being their first invited equipment provider felt like a genuine privilege. Moving forward, we look forward to supporting the vital work happening there now and in the future.
A Landmark Centre for MND Care
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease supports people with MND across West Yorkshire. It sits within Seacroft Hospital and grew from a powerful £6.8 million fundraising campaign led by Leeds Hospitals Charity and championed by Kevin Sinfield CBE. As a result, the Centre stands as a major achievement for the region.
The Centre is the first purpose-built MND facility in the UK. It focuses entirely on MND care, research, education and holistic support. Every feature, from the layout to the lighting, has been designed around the needs of people living with MND and their families. Therefore, the building feels calm, inclusive and fully accessible.
The MND Association also plays a key role in the Centre. It funds several specialist health and social care posts. For example, an MND Association Research Nurse joined the team in 2024 to expand research and strengthen specialist care.
Leaders from the MND Association and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust describe the Centre as a major step forward. It stands as a lasting tribute to Rob Burrow CBE, his family and the wider community who supported the project. Furthermore, the Centre’s ethos, “living in the now,” guides the team as they help people with MND live as fully and comfortably as possible.
The Leeds Centre is also part of a wider national network. It is one of 24 MND Care Centres and Networks supported across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Together, these centres form a strong foundation for specialist MND care across the UK.
Looking Ahead: Gel Ovations and the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
For Gel Ovations, supporting the Rob Burrow Centre means more than delivering equipment. Instead, it represents partnership, responsibility, and long-term commitment.
We aim to share our expertise in pressure care and postural management in a meaningful way. Because of this, solutions like Okapi Gel and our Made to Measure Service help clinicians deliver comfort, protection, and dignity for people living with MND. Even more, these tools support the Centre’s mission to improve quality of life for every patient.
Moving forward, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the team at Seacroft Hospital. Together, we will continue to support the remarkable work taking place in Rob Burrow’s name.
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Questions & Answers
What is the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease?
The Rob Burrow Centre is the UK’s first purpose-built facility dedicated solely to Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Located at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, it provides specialist care, research, and support for people living with MND and their families.
Why was Gel Ovations invited to the Centre?
Gel Ovations became the first equipment manufacturer invited to present at the Centre because of our expertise in pressure care and postural support. Our innovative products, such as Okapi Gel for Head Drop Syndrome, align closely with the Centre’s mission to improve patient comfort and quality of life.
How do Gel Ovations products help people with MND?
Our products are designed to relieve pressure, support posture, and enhance comfort for individuals with complex mobility or neurological conditions. By offering custom-made solutions through our Made to Measure Service, we help clinicians tailor support specifically to each patient’s needs.
What is Okapi Gel, and how is it used?
Okapi Gel is a specialised gel support solution that helps manage Head Drop Syndrome, a common challenge for people with MND. It provides gentle yet effective head and neck support, reducing strain and improving positioning for comfort and stability.
What’s next for Gel Ovations and the Rob Burrow Centre?
Gel Ovations plans to continue collaborating with the Rob Burrow Centre by providing training, support, and innovative pressure care solutions. Together, we aim to advance patient care standards and support clinical excellence in MND management.
