Director David Crosby and senior quantity surveyor Ross Andrew will be pounding the streets of Yorkshire on Sunday as they compete in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease.

Inspired by the battles of the late Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir and former Leeds Rhino star Burrow, months of training have seen the pair chalk up 1000s of miles in preparation for the big event.

“I have done a couple of half-marathons before but never anything like this,” said Ross. “It’s a bit daunting but all in aid of a great cause.”

A keen runner, David added: “None of us have run a marathon before but we feel this is the time and felt it appropriate to do it in respect of Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.”

Jason Lister, managing director of the Rosyth-based specialist flooring contractor, hails from Yorkshire, while David studied at Leeds University.

“Scotland is now home for all of us and is a place that we love,” said Jason. “We are all huge fans of Rob Burrow and Leeds Rhinos. I come from Yorkshire and it was a huge part of David’s journey north of the Border so it seemed a good idea to get involved in the marathon.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has two aims: firstly, to raise funds for research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures, and, secondly, to make grants to sufferers of MND and enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible.

Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019. Since then he has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to support other families living with the condition.

The race will see over 10,000 participants take on a new route through Leeds that starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium.