Joining names like Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Alan Bennett and Leeds United players.
Leeds City Council has announced that in the new year, the city will be honouring former Leeds Rhinos players Sir Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow MBE for the pair’s ” courage, commitment and inspirational strength of character […] in the most difficult of circumstances”.
The highest civic award that can be bestowed will be given to the pair on Wednesday 11 January 2023, where an awards ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall will see the names of the friends engraved into a roll of honour at the banqueting suite.
“Kevin and Rob thoroughly deserve this accolade, the highest civic award the city can bestow on anyone.”
Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield OBE and @Rob7Burrow who have been chosen by Leeds City Council to receive the freedom of Leeds. 👏
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 20, 2022
The touching announcement from Leeds City Council explained that it was important to recognise both Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow for different reasons:
“They have long held a special place in the affections of the city thanks to their all-conquering exploits on the rugby field with Leeds Rhinos – but, more recently, the pair have also touched hearts right around the world following Rob’s diagnosis in 2019 with motor neurone disease (MND).
“Rob’s response to his diagnosis was typically positive and selfless, with the last three years seeing him championing the raising of funds and awareness for all those affected by the disease.
“Kevin, meanwhile, has followed his old friend’s lead by embarking on a series of gruelling endurance challenges that have raised millions of pounds for MND-related causes.”
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Speaking about the prestigious award, Rob Burrow has said: “When you look down the distinguished list of previous recipients of this honour, it makes this acknowledgement from the city even more outstanding and I am deeply humbled to receive it, especially alongside Kevin, a man who continues to set the example for all of us to follow.”
Feature Image- Leeds City Council
