Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow continue to inspire millions around the country and in the latest recognition of their motor neurone disease (MND) campaigning, the Leeds Rhinos legends were surprised with a truly beautiful piece of artwork in honour of their friendship.
On 14 May, the rugby legends left Brits weeping as they completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, with Sinfield pushing his best mate for 26.2 miles before carrying him over the finish line in his arms and planting a kiss on his cheek — one of the most emotional moments of the year.
The heartwarming sight captured the imagination and the entire country and, as it turns out, that of artist Charlie Mackesy who wanted to pay tribute not only to Sinfield for his incredible fundraising achievements but his truly special and inspiring friendship with Rob Burrow too.
Depicting the now iconic image of the Rhinos teammates and MND champions crossing the finish line, Oscar-winning artist, illustrator and children’s author — arguably best known for his short film, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse — Sinfield was presented with the surprise painting on BBC Breakfast.
Kevin Sinfield being surprised with the stirring piece of artwork.
The Oldham lad was visibly moved by the gesture, stating that he was “blown away with the picture created by the artist Charlie Mackesy” and it’s not hard to see why — so is everyone else.
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 the show after completing the Leeds Marathon named in his friend’s honour, Sinfield made sure to direct all the credit elsewhere, stating that “the Burrow family are 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 artwork showing their dad being carried across the line by de facto family member, Kev, receiving several signed copies from artist Mackesy. Reacting to the surprise package, they simply said: “It’s very special because it’s a moment we’ll never forget”.
'It is the best picture I have ever seen'
Rugby League legend Rob Burrow and his family spoke to #BBCBreakfast about their delight that Oscar winner Charlie Mackesy is raising funds for MND with his picture of Rob and his friend Kevin Sinfieldhttps://t.co/Zy5V86QBoxpic.twitter.com/XxNekRwPfO
Lindsey and Rob Burrow’s kids were bowled over by the painting.
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 accompanying documentary of the same name that ran alongside writing the book and aired back in February 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”. We can’t stress how much these lot make us cry.
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. Truly incredible stuff.
'Please vote for Rob'
'Rob Burrow: Living With MND' and 'Kevin Sinfield: Going The Extra Mile' are nominated for the National Television Awards.
Kevin Sinfield has told #BBCBreakfast he wants his friend to win
Featured Image — Jon Kay (via Twitter)/Leeds Rhinos (via Instagram)/Charlie Mackesy (via Twitter)
News
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16
Emily Sergeant
The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.
So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.
The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.
The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.
Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.
The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.
Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.
The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)
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A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Danny Jones -
24th May 2023 
