We have felt truly blessed to witness the beautiful and deeply touching relationship between former Leeds Rhinos teammates Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow and their remarkable journey together as motor neurone disease champions.
Although Rob is sadly no longer able to walk or talk as a result of his condition, one that affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK, for the past few years Oldham lad Kevin Sinfield has completed numerous incredible feats of endurance in aid of MND research and it’s been so special to watch.
Whether it’s smashing out seven ultra-marathons in a week or running for 24 hours non-stop, he’s achieved so many astonishing things on his behalf and on Sunday, 14 May, the amazing Manc brought best mate Burrow along for his latest effort, where everyone was running in his name.
2023 saw the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the first the city has seen for 20 years, where Kevin pushed Rob around for 26.2 miles alongside other former Leeds Rhinos. The moment they crossed the finish line was emotional, to say the least.
Kevin Sinfield emotionally carried his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, having pushed his friend around the 26.2 miles in his wheelchair ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yqSIakPgYr
Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow across the finish line.
We defy you to watch that without welling up.
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As you can see, our very own Kevin Sinfield thought it only fitting to lift Rob Burrow out of his specially designed wheelchair and carry him across the finish line of his own marathon. Absolute legend.
He literally helped him complete the marathon by giving him a kiss and a cuddle. If that doesn’t sum up how special their friendship is then we don’t know what does.
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More than 12,500 runners took part — nearly 5,000 more than was initially intended as so many simply wanted to come out and run in Rob’s honour — with 40% never even having run a marathon before, including his wife Lindsey who said, “the reason I am doing it will get me to the finish line”.
As for Sinfield, speaking after it was all said and done, the 42-year-old thanked everyone who turned up and helped “create something so incredible in Rob’s name”. It’s clear that their connection is one that has resonated with millions across the UK.
Prior to setting off, the Rhinos legend turned coach went on to say, “It doesn’t matter how long it takes. The longer it takes, the more time I get to spend with him… Today is a celebration of friendship”.
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All told, Sinfield has now raised over £8 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and other related charities, running countless miles in the process, so giving his best mate and inspiration a hug on the way over the finish line looked easy in comparison. A simply astounding man.
You can donate to the MNDA and do your bit to help people like Rob HERE.
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Danny Jones -
14th May 2023 
