Hunslet chairman gets on his bike to support Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow's battle against MND

The 71-year-old former player will be cycling to the game when Hunslet visit Keighley Cougars in Betfred National League One on Sunday, May 30.

Other fans will be running or walking the 20-mile distance, alongside the Leeds-Liverpool canal, in support of Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow who is battling motor neurone disease (MND).

Sykes, who played 162 first team and 105 reserve-grade games for Hunslet/New Hunslet from 1971-83 and is a member of the club’s hall of fame, was keen to get involved, despite his running days being behind him.

He said: “At my age it might be asking a bit much of my dickie hip to run there, but I wanted to do my bit to raise funds for MND and SITraN and show support for Rob.

“The rugby league family has rallied for Rob because that is what we do.

“He was inspirational as a player and is even more inspirational now, that is the measure of the man.”

Sykes has seen at close hand the devastating effects of MND, a terminal condition which affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time.

“It is a terrible disease and can strike anyone at any time,” he added.

“My old teammates `Grabsie’ Wilson and Mark Burgess were struck down by it and it also took Shaun, the young son of Stuart Keane, another former Parksider and a good friend.

“I’m proud of everyone for taking part in the event and I’m grateful to those who are supporting us.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the run can pay their £25 entry fee by visiting https://hunsletrlfc.com/store-2/run-for-rob-run-1-leeds-to-keighley-20-miles/.

Alternatively, entries are open for a 10k virtual challenge, to be completed on May 29/30.

The fee for that is £15, payable by visiting https://hunsletrlfc.com/store-2/run-for-rob-run-2-virtual-10k/).

All proceeds will go to the Rob Burrow fund and SITraN.

Runners, walkers - and cyclist - will receive an ‘I Ran for Rob’ scarf.