Rob Burrow is inspiring people to run their first marathon
David Wilcock is running the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of his grandad after being inspired by the Leeds legend
David Wilcock, from Leeds is running his first ever marathon this weekend.
It'll mark the first time the city has hosted a marathon in twenty years, after Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhino's legend who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019.
Since then, Rob and his family have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to support other families living with MND.
David told us: "My main reason for running is for Rob, but also for my own grandad and a friends dad as well.
"I’ve watched Rob since he played in the academy from a young teen right through to his retirement.
"He’s a legend of the sport that I love. When I heard of his diagnosis I was very shocked and upset."
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will see over 10,000 participants take on a brand new route through Leeds that starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium.
As it's David's first marathon he told us: "My wife and children will be cheering me on along the route and hopefully my brother, sister and a few friends who have said they will try to come along will be there to show their support.
"Seeing what Kevin Sinfield has achieved in the past will motivate and inspire me to keep going".
The marathon will raise funds the MND Association and a Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build a Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Leeds Hospital Charity told us: "Our runners have currently raised over ÂŁ220,000 and we are estimating that will rise to over ÂŁ300,000 after this weekend.
"Donations can sometimes come in a few weeks after events so it might be a while before we have an exact figure to share."
Residents, particularly in North Leeds are being urged to plan ahead as road closures will be in place.
To donate to David's JustGiving page click here