Nation in tears over Rob Burrow's story as Kevin sends heartfelt message

Viewers were moved to tears by Rob Burrow's touching story told in a feature on BBC Breakfast this morning. It aired as Kevin Sinfield issued a heartfelt message to supporters and confirmed the total raised at the first Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds.

On Saturday's (May 20) BBC Breakfast, hosts Naga Munchetty and Stayt played part of Rob's documentary about living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) as they talked about the sweet moment Kevin Sinfield carried him over the finish line at last week's marathon in Leeds.

Viewers were completely moved by the feature. Lizzie Donaghy tweeted: "Just watched @BBCBreakfast Rob Burrow programme. Just so moving how he and all his family are fighting @MND. What a warrior Rob is - what a family he has. His mum & dad, Lynsey, Maya, Jackson and Myla are all incredible. All their love for Rob - in turn their pain so moving."

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Shirley Anne Smith was also watching, and wrote: "Good morning dear hearts. Just watched a documentary re Rob Burrow. What a man, what a family. It makes you full of love and admiration for what they go through daily. It proves that love and the human spirit is the most amazing thing we have."

Rich said: "I wasn’t expecting such a hard hitting documentary when I turned the TV on. Extremely sad and inspiring #robburrow."

And Paul Stephen tweeted: "@BBCBreakfast The story of Rob Burrow and his MND torture had both my wife and I in tears. So, so sad. But add to the calls for Kevin Sinfield to be knighted, the name of Lindsey, Rob’s wife. Lindsey is simply amazing too. God help Rob."

@bulmer1889 said: "Oh god just watched that living with MND programme about rob burrow on the bbc peeling onions at this time in a morning is not a good luck. truly inspirational family could relate to a lot of what I saw even tho it’s different circumstances."

Meanwhile, Rob's former teammate Kevin issued a message through Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, who organised the marathon, yesterday. Last Sunday saw the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon starting at Headingley Stadium where he used to play.

In his message, Kevin said: "Hi, on behalf or Rob, Lindsey and I, we would just like to thank everyone for a huge team effort on Sunday. We made sure that the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was a success and I hope it was a very special day for you as it was for us.

"Runners, wheelchair users, volunteers, spectators, sponsors, Run For All, Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos and all the different charities, all of you, thank you. I am sure you will all agree the atmosphere was incredible and that is down to you and all your hard work to support our communities, the MND community, friends and families and bring everyone together as a team.

"I'm delighted to share with you that the running total raised for 341 different charities across the UK now sits at over £4m. Friendship was at the heart of this marathon - run for a mate, with a mate.

"I hope you are all glowing that in the knowledge we get to help so many people across the UK who need us. I hope to see you all next year.

"It's important we keep banging the drum together. Rest up and take care - thank you."
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