Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow's friendship continues to warm the hearts of the nation and in the latest recognition of their MND campaigning, the Leeds Rhinos legends were surprised with a truly beautiful painting in their honour.
Giving him a kiss on his cheek as they completed the full 26.2 miles, it was one of the most emotional moments of the year and has not only led to countless signs up to next year's race already, but even inspired an award-winning artist to pay tribute to them.
Depicting the now iconic image of the Rhinos teammates crossing the finish line, Sinfield was surprised with a painting by Oscar-winning artist, illustrator and children's author Charlie Mackesy, best known for his short film, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
Kevin Sinfield was surprised with the painting on Tuesday.
TheManchester-born rugby league legend turned England roach was visibly moved by the gesture, stating that he was simply "blown away" by the picture.
Sinfield has gone on to become not just a sporting icon but a national hero, raising over £4 million for MND research from the marathon alone and well over £7 million in total since his charity work began back in 2019 when Rob was diagnosed.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast after completing the marathon named in his friend's honour, the 42-year-old insisted on directing all the credit to Rob and his family, hailing them as "a real inspiration for everybody", adding that Rob's wife "Lindsey has shown everyone what real love is."
Speaking of the Burrows, they were also sent the painting of their dad being carried across the finish line, receiving several signed copies from Mackesy which and calling it "a moment we'll never forget". Rob also described it as "the best day of his life".
Sinfield has since written a book chronicling the remarkable journey he and Burrow have been on in an effort to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) over the past few years entitled, Kevin Sinfield: Going The Extra Mile.
Moreover, the documentary of the same name that ran alongside aired back in February and is also nominated for a National Television Award (NTA), as is Rob Burrow's Living With MND film.
However, it's no surprise that Sinfield urged viewers to "please vote for Rob, everybody. Their story is incredible certainly across the UK but worldwide; they've shown everybody what living is and I think Lindsey has shown everyone what real love looks like". Great, now we're crying again.
As for the painting itself, you can buy prints of it on Charlie Mackesy's website HERE, with proceeds going to the MDNA. In fact, more than 16,000 copies have already been sold with over £30,000 raised for the cause in just 12 hours. Amazing.
It's the moment we have all been waiting for...the entrance to Leeds station has finally reopened.
The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway has been in the works since 2022, with the original target for completion set for autumn 2025.
A number of set backs meant that the opening was delayed time and time again, with the most recent hurdle being that one of the lifts was broken.
But now, all the hard work and patience (or lack thereof) has paid off because the entrance has finally reopened.
Images: The Hoot
Other than the swanky new stairs and lift that will take you straight to Bishopgate Street from the front of the station, there's also a new taxi rank that will also come into operation today.
The new taxi rank will allow hackney carriages to pick up there as well as the current location on Princes Square at the rear of the station.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: "Leeds as a city is booming, and one of the truest indicators of our ongoing growth and appeal is the ever-rising number of people using our railway station. Currently, Leeds Station handles more than 27 million passengers a year, with footfall inside the station rising six percent year on year and is now busier than before COVID.
“It is fundamental that we have a station that is not only easily able to meet current demand but is also fit for the future, providing a welcoming gateway for the many millions of passengers travelling into our city.
Images: The Hoot
“At the same time, it is vital that our station gateway is a safer and more accessible environment for everyone who uses it. We have worked in close partnership with groups from across our city to ensure that these new facilities provide a much-improved experience which is more pedestrian-friendly and allows people to board taxis much more safely.”
Muse announced as first headline act for Roundhay Festival 2027
Clementine Hall
After a triumphant debut year, Roundhay Festival is coming back with a bang.
And this time, British rock legends Muse will be taking to the stage as they are revealed as the first headline act.
Held over three days in July this year and organised by AEG Presents in collaboration with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival went down an absolute treat this year.
From thousands of bald-cap wearing Pitbull fans flocking to the scene to Lewis Capaldi making sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house, the inaugural festival was a booming success and we can't wait to welcome it back.
Muse will headline Roundhay Park on Sunday 27 June 2027, joined by a very special line-up including guests Nothing But Thieves and other acts yet to be announced.
Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK & European Festivals, says “Following the success of our first year at Roundhay Park, we’re delighted to be returning to Leeds with one of the most incredible live bands in the world.
"Muse’s legendary outdoor performances and unrivalled production values continue to set the benchmark for live music, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Roundhay for what promises to be a truly spectacular event.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This festival is a great example of how concerts and other cultural events and celebrations can act as a hugely positive showcase for Leeds.
“Bringing the music world’s top names to our city and giving them the opportunity to play in the breathtaking setting of Roundhay Park allows us to connect with new national and international audiences, while at the same time supporting the local economy.
“Local residents and businesses can also be assured that the council, alongside AEG Presents, will be working hard to keep them informed about road closures and the other traffic and travel arrangements that are required for the safe and smooth operation of an event on this scale.”
Tickets for Muse’s American Express presents Roundhay Festival date go on general sale at 10am this Friday 13 November. Find out more here.
Danny Jones -
24th May 2023 
