With this year’s Pride of Britain awards set to air later this Thursday, Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, his wife Lindsey and his fundraising best mate Kevin Sinfield, were among the wonderful winners for 2023.
The trio have raised millions for motor neurone disease – the condition the former rugby league star was diagnosed with back in 2019 — over the past few years, but have taken things even further over the past year, hosting the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, educating kids on Cbeebies and plenty more.
With that in mind, it's no surprise that all three inspiring individuals were presented with a joint special recognition award for their work raising awareness and funds for MND-related causes over the last 12 months and beyond.
The moment Lindsey Burrow, along with daughters Macy and Maya, accepted the award on behalf of their dad and Kevin Sinfield.
The award ceremony itself took place over the weekend (Sunday, 8 October) and saw a total of 13 people recognised for their incredible efforts and inspiring stories.
Speaking on the Burrow family and Sinfield, the award scheme described the trio as "the ultimate dream team", all of whom completed his self-titled marathon earlier this year — the first time Leeds has hosted such a race in over two decades.
Although Sinfield sadly couldn't be in attendance on the night, the local legend and retired rugby star turned coach has completed countless incredible feats in honour of his best friend Rob, including making sure he completed the 26.2 miles.
The ex-Leeds Rhino carrying his teammate across the finish line has gone down as one of the most tearjerking moments in sporting history, let alone this year, and so much so in fact that the 43-year-old was awarded with a special token celebrating his beautiful friendship.
With the broadcast of this year's show set to air at 8pm on Thursday, 12 October, it's sure to be just as wholesome and emotional a watch as it always is.
Others celebrated over the weekend included Lee Rigby's son Jack, named Young Fundraiser of the Year, Freya Harris who was named as one of two Children of Courage for competing at Crufts despite her cancer diagnosis, as well as the Windrush Generation, who have been recognised for their Outstanding Contribution.
You can see the full list of Pride of Britain winners for 2023 HERE.
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Danny Jones -
10th October 2023 
