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.
One of Leeds city centre’s most iconic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods - a new all-day cafe, bar and events space that has just opened at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate in the centre of town last Friday 31 July.
Created by husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo, Moods occupies the ground floor of the Grade II* listed building and it's just as beautiful as you can imagine.
Exposed brick, floor to ceiling windows, mid-century furniture and muted furnishings, a lot of love has gone into this place and you can truly tell.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
They do it all, whether you're popping in for a coffee and a spot of brunch or swinging by for a few carefully curated cocktails and some small plates to share with friends.
The kitchen id led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, including time at L'Enclume and Fera at Claridge's.
The pre-noon menu includes everything from organic yoghurt with mixed fruit compote to a mushroom crumpet topped with old Winchester cheese and truffle honey.
Their post-noon features a salt-baked beetroot salad, fried chicken with brioche and heritage carrots with ewes curd and black garlic.
It's an exciting menu from an exciting chef in an equally as exciting venue, and we can't wait for you to visit and fall in love with it as much as we have.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Will Moody said: "Leeds has been our home since university, and First White Cloth Hall felt like the kind of building you do not get a second chance with. From the moment we saw it, we knew it could become much more than a studio home.
"Moods is about opening the ground floor up and giving people a reason to use the building from morning through to night, whether that is coffee, food, drinks, private events or simply a good catch-up with friends."
Moods is open now and you can find out more and book your table here.
Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Thomas Melia
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Danny Jones -
24th May 2023 
