Rob Burrow completed a heroic “lap of honour” at the Leeds 10k race today alongside his family to mark Father’s Day today. The Daily Express has called for King Charles to bestow knighthoods on Mr Burrow, who has been living with Motor Neurone Disease and his former rugby league teammate Kevin Sinfield who has raised £8million to find a cure, for a cause that thousands of our readers have supported.
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The former rugby player, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, was pushed along a lap of the course by his children.
The Burrow family set off at about 9.45am and crossed the finish line at about 10am after completing a lap of honour to cheering crowds.
Mr Burrow and Mr Sinfield brought the nation to tears when Kevin carried Rob, his former Leeds Rhinos teammate, across the finish line of last month’s Leeds marathon.
Sinfield has raised millions for charity in dedication to his friend and teammate by undergoing several epic trials of endurance, including running 101 miles in 24 hours and completing seven marathons in seven days.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rob’s wife Lindsey said it was “fitting” that her husband and his children got to participate in a lap of the race together.
She said: “To be here with the family today is just really special.
“He’s such a family man so to be here today with the children, for us it’s just about making special memories.
“I’m incredibly proud of Rob. The courage and resilience he has shown to go out and do that. It takes a special type of person.”
READ MORE: MPs back Express crusade to give rugby league stars knighthoods for MND campaign [REVEAL]
Twelve and a half thousand people took part in the first-ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 14, an event named after the inspiring rugby player himself.
According to Mr Sinfield, 6,500 of those participating in the race were inspired to take part because of Rob.
But Rob and Kevin were absent from the King’s Honours list.
The King’s Honours List recognises the achievement and services of notable people from all walks of life across Britain, and was revealed last Friday.
Gary Hetherington, CEO of the Leeds Rhinos and a backer of the Daily Express campaign, also said it was “disappointing” that Rob and Kevin “were not recognised this time”.
He said: “They have both done so much for the MND community both here in the UK but also raising awareness around the globe.
“Sadly, it remains a fact that no former Rugby League player has ever been knighted, I hope that can be rectified in future honours lists.”
Backing our campaign for the first time, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I’m delighted to throw my weight behind this campaign and commend the Express for starting this petition – it’s difficult to think of two people more deserving of knighthoods.”
