Rugby league legend Rob Burrow was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award at Sports Personality of the Year 202 and ex-Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield received a special BBC award.
Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career. Rob and Kevin were given their awards for their relentless fundraising and raising awareness of MND.
Rob came onto the stage with his wife Lindsey and friend Kevin Sinfield and had a standing ovation from the crowd.
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In his emotional speech Rob was tearful as he praised those close to him for their constant support, he said: "I'm inspired to keep going by my friend Kevin Sinfield, the guy who makes the impossible possible, and my family as a whole who have put their family on hold to care for me.
"Especially my beautiful wide Lindsey and my amazing kids. Lindsey did not expect to sign up for this but she puts me first and foremost. I'm not here without her sacrifice. Lastly, this is for all the MND warriors out there, we will not stop with finding a cure. Thanks for your help."
Kevin Sinfield raised more than £7million for charity since his great friend Rob was diagnosed with MND. The 42-year-old ran seven ultra marathons in seven days back in November, covering 300 miles in total.
In his acceptance speech, he said: "Rob is probably the most inspirational bloke in the UK. He has inspired us to be better friends.
"In sport and certainly in rugby, the connections you make, the friends don't just stop when the whistle goes. Sport is powerful enough to bring communities together.”
Kevin made a dig at the government as he added: "What we witnessed was a nation that cared about the MND community. MND isn't incurable, it's just underfunded. We've got to keep fighting. We will keep banging the drum."
Viewers were left "in tears" as they paired the "inspirational" duo. @sianreed93 Tweeted: “And now we’re a blubbering mess. Rugby league is a family and whilst we might all support different teams, we come together for one of our own. Congratulations to both Rob and Kev for their awards. #SPOTY.”
@ChallengeKanza commented: “Ok wow that hit me hard! What amazing friends and family Rob has! Kevin Sinfield is a superstar...powerful speech..."MND is not incurable. It is underfunded." Makes you realise how precious your health is and how you shouldn't take it for granted. #RobBurrows #SPOTY #MND
@valwaring1962: “Forgot #SPOTY was on. More than a bit emotional seeing Rob Burrows & his wonderful wife and the amazing Kevin Sinfield. What an inspiration.”
@Fozzy_10: “Wasn’t expecting to shed a tear tonight but the awards for Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield on #SPOTY got me!”
While @phillswaffer addeD: “That Rob Burrow and Kenin Sinfield piece has broken me. Kevin Sinfield deserves to be hero of the year. Come on King Charles, he has to be knighted in your first honours."
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