Lindsey Burrow smashes fundraising target following inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

Lindsey Burrow has smashed her initial fundraising target of £7,777 following her effort in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. 

Lindsey entered completely new territory on Sunday morning as she completed her first ever marathon, thanking the British public for supporting Rob and their family.

Her Just Giving page has now reached more than £87,000 in support of a new motor neurone disease centre in Leeds.

The event named after former Leeds and England star Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, saw more than 12,000 participants take part in the marathon that started and finished at Headingley Stadium.

Burrow, who made close to 500 appearances for the Rhinos during his career, has inspired the nation since his diagnosis, while ex-team-mate Kevin Sinfield has taken every opportunity possible to raise funds towards the fight against MND.

Sinfield, who has already raised more than £8million for MND, pushed Burrow around Sunday’s course in a specially-adapted wheelchair, before carrying his friend across the finish line in a moment which captured the hearts of many.

Prior to the race, Sinfield told BBC Radio Leeds: “I did London three weeks ago and that was unbelievable, but today, it’s beat London.

“I know it’s not a competition, but the people of Leeds really came out and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The ex-Leeds and England captain was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to rugby league and charitable fundraising, to go with the MBE awarded to him in 2014. There have been numerous calls for him to be awarded a knighthood.

Other former Rhinos players also took part including the likes of Barrie McDemott, Matt Diskin, Jamie Peacock and Luke Burgess.

Current head coach Rohan Smith also completed the marathon, with Leeds players helping hand out the medals at the end of the race inside the stadium.

Lindsey Burrow ‘super girl’ says husband Rob

The marathon itself was won by Nathan Edmondson, who finished in two hours, 29 minutes and 14 seconds, with more than £3million said to be raised so far.

“The whole day was one day in a million,” Rob posted on social media.

“I’m going to say my wife is a super girl and I can’t believe how proud I am of Lindsey.”

Upon completing her first ever marathon, Lindsey was welcomed at the end by Rob and their children Macy, Maya and Jackson.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Lindsey said after the event: “It was just such a special occasion.