Readers react as Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow over finish line

As Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019, his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Kevin Sinfield has raised more than £8 million for the MND Association.

His fundraising has seen the former Leeds loose forward running seven back-to-back ultra marathons, seven marathons in seven days, and a 24-hour run of 101 miles.

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Kevin Sinfield kissing his former teammate as he crosses the finish line (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

While all of these previous challenges has been Sinfield going solo, he took Burrow with him on this occasion and ran the 26 miles through Leeds while pushing his former hooker in a wheelchair on Sunday, May 14.

The inspiring image that has spread across the country is Sinfield kissing his friend as he picked him up and carried him across the finish line.

It has connected with rugby league fans from far and wide, those who have followed Burrow's story, as well as many others.

Here is a selection of comments from our post yesterday:

Russell Powell said: "You’ll never see a more powerful picture, Kevin Sinfield is an absolutely outstanding man, the love he has for his best mate rob burrow is incredible, WOW!!"

Sue Culliford wrote: "Well done for all your hard work and dedication, you both are truly inspirational  A very cruel illness that no one can comprehend, a cure is very much needed so others never have to go through the pain of losing loved one's in this way. Bless you all."

Marilyn Wright said: "When Kevin lifted Rob from his chair and gave him a little kiss, I cried my eyes out. It was the most beautiful and loving act I had ever seen. God bless them both. Congratulations to Rob's wife Lindsey for completing "the marathon. You are an amazing woman with an amazing family.

Lesley Hill said: "Amazing beautiful friendship and heartbreaking all in one god bless you both so inspiring. I can’t help but hear the song he ain’t heavy he’s my brother on seeing this."

Irene Blakemore Williams wrote: "What a wonderful man. A true gentleman. His devotion and love is truly inspiring and shows that there are some people who really believe “That He’s not Heavy. He’s my Brother”. I have cried each time I have seen this on social media it is so poignant and yet heartbreaking. Thank you Kevin for showing your friend you will always be there for him and showing us that there are still good people in this world."

Paul Thompson said: "Never has a sportsman deserved the accolade of being given a knighthood."

Linda Tunstall wrote: "All of us in rugby league can only respect you for the goodness that is in you god bless you both proper men."

Mish Ryan said: "You are both the most inspiring of people, the best of friends, and a reminder we should live, laugh and love our nearest and dearest every single day. Thank you both for keeping it real."

Karl McLaughlin said: "I ran the marathon today and firstly would like to congratulate the people of Leeds. The turn out of spectators was amazing and the atmosphere they created was the best I've witnessed on a run. Was a special day and watching Kev carry Rob over the finishing line was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Top, top guys. The rugby league community can't be matched.

Nick Hayman wrote: "I live in Cornwall we might not understand rugby league down here but we understand friendship and loyalty. There’s two men amongst men right there. In a world of doom and gloom it kind of gives you hope in humanity."

Richard Whitehead wrote: "Two heroes in one photo. Rob Burrow for his fight to stay alive and Kevin Sinfield the man the legend. I thought he was an exceptional rugby player, but he is an exceptional friend to Rob ."

Paul Barlow wrote: "Kevin, you were a fantastic rugby player. I always admired you as a player. But you have proved you're a true friend and an amazing person. God bless you and Rob and his family." 

Helen Clitheroe said: "They say a picture paints a thousand words, this one certainly does."