A new campaign has been launched to give Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield knighthoods following the emotional scenes at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May.
After raising £8 million and inspiring the entire nation with their friendship, people are now calling for the Rugby League legends to receive an honour from the King for their charity work.
Since Rob Burrows went public with his diagnosis in 2019, the pair have gone on to inspire thousands and bring hope to many through their fundraising efforts for Moto Neuron Diseas (MND).
Now, the national newspaper The Express is calling for the pair to be knighted as part of a campaign that has the backing of Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington and the MND Association, as well as of Rob's wife Lindsay.
The image of Kevin Sinfield carrying his former Leeds Rhinos teammate over the finish line at the event struck the hearts of many as a poignant reminder of the important role of friendship during the toughest of times.
After pushing Rob, who suffers from MND, for 26 miles in a specially-made wheelchair the current England Rugby Union defence coach finished by lifting his friend from his wheelchair in a moment that will undoubtedly go down in history.
Now, many in the UK are putting forward the case for the pair to be knighted - including calls from Lindsay, Rob's childhood sweetheart, wife of 17 years, and full-time carer.
Lindsey has previously said she thought that Kevin Sinfield should be knighted for his publicity-raising efforts at the event, and now The Express has backed her calls by launching a campaign to honour both men.
The petition, entitled 'Support Express campaign to bestow knighthoods on Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield', the description reads: "Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield deserve one of this country's highest honours in recognition of their inspiring fundraising and awareness-raising efforts.
Speaking to The Express, Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: "What they have both done is to significantly raise money and made both the profile of the MND Foundation, the movement and its striving to find a cure not only locally significant, but nationally and internationally.
"There is now recognition all over the world for what they've done. The Leeds Marathon had international publicity and recognition. The message about supporting the MND movement and striving to find an MND cure drew acclaim from across the world.
"Efforts led by Kevin and Rob generated this international profile."
If you would like to sign the petition, click here.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
7th June 2023 
