Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield to be given the Freedom of Leeds
A ceremony will happen in January
Last updated 21st Dec 2022
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are being given the Freedom of Leeds.
The council say it's for their work with Leeds Rhinos and raising money for charity following Rob's motor neurone disease diagnosis.
A special ceremony will be held on the 11th January.
Other people to be granted the freedom of the city include Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Alan Bennett and members of the great Leeds United side of the 1960s and 1970s among its previous recipients.
Responding to the council’s tribute, Rob said:
“I would like to thank Leeds City Council for this honour. Having spent my entire adult life as part of the Leeds Rhinos family, it meant so much to me during my career to be able to bring joy to the people of Leeds with our success on the field.
“When you look down the distinguished list of previous recipients of this honour, it makes this acknowledgement from the city even more outstanding and I am deeply humbled to receive it, especially alongside Kevin, a man who continues to set the example for all of us to follow.”
Speaking about the award, Kevin said:
“I am deeply honoured to be receiving this accolade. I have always said that whilst Oldham is my home town, Leeds is my home city and it was my privilege to represent the city as a Leeds Rhinos player during my career.
“Whilst it was a joy to bring sporting success to our city on the field, the way the people of Leeds in particular have shown their love and support for my friend Rob Burrow and his family since his MND diagnosis says everything about what a wonderful city Leeds is and I accept this award on behalf of all those people who have done so much for our community.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the council is honouring Rob and Kevin with the freedom of the city. We already knew they were winners through the success they had as team-mates at Leeds Rhinos, but the events of recent years have really shown that here we have two very special people indeed.
“The way Rob has responded to his illness has been humbling to see, while Kevin’s determination to support not only his friend but all those affected by MND has been hugely inspirational. They are true Leeds heroes, and it is our privilege to be able to give their incredible story the recognition it deserves.”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP, said:
“The granting of the freedom of Leeds is a comparatively rare occurrence, with this important honour recognising figures who have made an extraordinary contribution to life in the city or the wider world.
“Rob and Kevin have certainly done that, with their achievements, originally as rugby players and more recently as friends and tireless fundraisers, marking them out as people to be admired and applauded. I feel very proud that these two wonderful characters will be given our highest civic honour during my time as Lord Mayor.”
Councillor Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council’s Conservative group, said:
“Rob and Kevin’s achievements have been remarkable – they are an example to us all and offer compelling testament to the way in which we can help others meet even the toughest of challenges, and, of course, both were exceptional rugby league footballers who gave many of us hours of delight on the pitch.
“Honouring them with the freedom of the city will be a fitting tribute and one that I’m sure will be widely welcomed, given how deeply people in Leeds and beyond admire the comradeship and steadfastness they have demonstrated over the last few years.”
Councillor Stewart Golton, leader of Leeds City Council’s Liberal Democrat group, said:
“When we honour Rob and Kevin it is not just to recognise their joint achievement in the face of adversity.
“It is also a celebration of the power of committed friendship that so many in this city depend upon when facing their own life challenges. At a time when so many need a helping hand, their joint endeavour to step up and make a huge difference for the sake of others is inspirational.”
Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said:
“Kevin and Rob thoroughly deserve this accolade, the highest civic award the city can bestow on anyone. It is fitting that they should receive it together. On the field, they were part of a golden generation at Leeds Rhinos that brought unprecedented success to the city along with national and global acclaim.
“However, even more impactful has been their work away from the rugby field. The inspiration that Rob has offered since his MND diagnosis for so many with life limiting illness has been incredible and in turn that has allowed Kevin to inspire others to raise funds and awareness in the fight against this cruel disease. As a club, we are immensely proud of both Rob and Kevin.”