FORMER Leeds Rhinos half back Rob Burrow was the recipient of the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony last night.
He was presented with the award for his work in raising awareness of motor neurone disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2019.
It produced a wave of emotion at the event and in living rooms across the nation – particularly when accompanied by the footage of his wife Lindsey caring for him.
Burrow received the award alongside his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield, who has raised more than £7million for MND research and awareness.
Sinfield also received a special award and spoke movingly about his former teammate and the sadly recently departed Doddie Weir.
Rugby Football League CEO Ralph Rimmer said: "Both Rob and Kevin were giants of our sport on the field through their performances for club and country, but what they have gone on to achieve together, in the most inspirational display of enduring friendship, has gone well beyond Rugby League.
An amazing example of an unbreakable sporting friendship ❤️
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 21, 2022
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield's speeches after the former was given the Helen Rollason award will bring a tear to the eye 🥺#SPOTY #BBCSPOTY pic.twitter.com/4ipg2876Bx
“The World Cup this autumn began with Rob as Chief Guest at the opening ceremony in Newcastle, and ended equally emotionally when Kevin completed his latest superhuman fund-raising effort on the Old Trafford pitch – a moment none of us who were lucky enough to be present will ever forget.
“I can think of no more worthy winner of the Helen Rollason Award than Rob, and am privileged to congratulate both him and Kevin for his Special Award, on behalf of the sport of Rugby League. They make us all proud.
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