Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield honoured by MND Association
The former Leeds Rhinos teammates have been made patrons on the charity
The Motor Neurone Disease Association has announced former Leeds Rhinos teammates Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield as patrons of the charity.
Rob was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago, and since then the pair have been raising awareness of the condition, and funds for the charity.
So far, they've raised nearly £3million, after Kevin ran 7 marathons in 7 days last December.
He was awarded an OBE for his efforts in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Celebrating Rob Burrow Day
The announcement comes as rugby league clubs across West Yorkshire have been celebrating Rob's career, on 7/7, in recognition of his playing number.
Kevin has run another marathon today around Greater Manchester, in a bid to boost their fundraising total.
Rob said: "It is a huge honour to be invited to become a patron of the MND Association and I am delighted to accept. I have seen first-hand the incredible work the charity does not just with those living with MND but also their families and loved ones.
"Personally, I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the countless fundraising activities over the last eighteen months to help raise funds to support the MND community and vital research."
Kevin said: "I would like to thank the Association for inviting Rob and I to become patrons. I have been so touched by the many stories I have heard from within the MND community and I am committed to continue my support to them for as long as it takes to find a breakthrough.
"For those who knew Rob during his rugby career, he was always an inspiration but he has taken that to a new level to motivate thousands of fundraisers to raise nearly £3 million in his name. On behalf of all of them, I would like to say a massive thank you to Rob and his family for the encouragement they give us all."
MND Association Chief Executive Sally Light said: "It has been a privilege to work with Rob and Kevin over the last 18 months and we are very much looking forward to developing that relationship in their new role as patrons."