12 May 2025 Association News
‘He will be looking down on us, proud as punch of what we’ve created.’
Those were the words of Association Patron Kevin Sinfield CBE as he addressed a crowd of more than 14,000 runners at the start of the third Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon which took place in soaring temperatures in Leeds yesterday.
It was an emotional start to the event, which is the first to take place since Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow CBE died from motor neurone disease in June last year. More than 1,000 people took part in the event on behalf of the Association, raising more than £500,000.
Among them was Damian Dexter, from youth rugby club Weatherby Bulldogs. He explained that both Rob and Kev had supported the team in the past by helping to coach the young players and taking part in the half marathon was his way of giving back.
He said: “The rugby league community is very special indeed, words just can’t describe what it feels like to be here.
“What Rob and Kev have done to raise awareness of MND is just incredible.”
Bekah Greaves was raising money for the Association in memory of her mother-in-law Jean who died in 2015 from MND.
She said: “It’s so hot out there but the atmosphere was electric – it’s so emotional.
“Jean’s loss was huge for all of us but we’ll keep going until there’s a cure.”
The MND Association’s Director of Income Generation, Jo Coker said: “It has been an incredible day and a fitting tribute to Rob, who did so much to help raise awareness of MND.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the course of the weekend, in difficult conditions.
“The tremendous spirit of the MND community has shone brightly again today. Every mile run and every penny raised will make such a difference in the fight against MND.”