Emotions run high as Oldham hero Kev carries former rugby teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at Leeds marathon

Kevin Sinfield (far right) and many of his ex-Leeds Rhinos team-mates came together to support Rob Burrow. Image courtesy of the Leeds Rhinos Facebook page

Images of a clearly emotional Kevin Sinfield carrying his friend and former rugby teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon have drawn tears and genuine appreciation from people of all ages up and down the land.

Saddleworth hero Sinfield had pushed Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, for 26.2 miles in a specially adapted wheelchair and the pair completed the course together in front of a cheering crowd at Headingley Stadium.

A former rugby league player and current coach for England, Sinfield has raised more than £8m for MND charities, including an Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge in November when he ran seven back-to-back ultra-marathons.

Ahead of the race, Sinfield thanked all those involved for "creating something so incredible in Rob's name".

"Today is a celebration of friendship," he said.

Jenn Scribbins, from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was important to defeat the "devastating" disease.

"Six people are diagnosed every day and unfortunately there is no cure," she said.

"What this event is doing is raising those funds to help us get closer to that cure."

Support for Rob Burrow in his bid to raise £5m to build a specialist MND centre in Leeds continues.

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.