Viewers of the BBC's Sports Personality Of The Year Awards were in tears on Wednesday night after Rob Burrow made an emotional speech after being honoured.
The former rugby league star, 40, was awarded the Helen Rollason Award at this year's event, while ex-teammate Kevin Sinfield also received a special award.
Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, two years after he ended his glittering 17-year career and has been a keen fundraiser for MND charities.
Kevin meanwhile, 42, has also been helping to raise funds and awareness for the cause and recently completed a gruelling fundraiser in which he ran seven marathons in seven days.
The pair entered onto the stage alongside Rob's wife Lindsey and were greeted by a huge round of applause.
Rob then gave a tearful speech in which he praised those close to him for their continued 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."
Following on from his pal, Kevin - who has raised more than £7million for the cause to date - added: "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."
He went on to slam the funding provided to the cause by the government, saying: "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."
The pair's words brought viewers at home to tears as people flocked to social media to praise the duo.
One user on Twitter wrote: "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."
Another added: "Forgot #SPOTY was on. More than a bit emotional seeing Rob Burrows & his wonderful wife and the amazing Kevin Sinfield. What an inspiration."
A third said: "SPOTY! Rob Burrows just now! If you're not in tears, you're not human!! Bless them all," while another penned: "Rob Burrows & Kevin Sinfield had tears flowing & I don’t understand the game of rugby."
