BBC Sports Personality of the Year and viewers wept in admiration for Rob Burrow, his family and his friend Kevin Sinfield.

Former Leeds Rhinos rugby league star Burrow has received the Helen Rollason Award for his efforts to raise awareness of motor neurone disease. In 2019, he was diagnosed with an incurable disease that limits his life.

The award comes less than a month after former Scottish rugby star Doddy Weir, a friend of Burrow’s and a 2019 winner of the award, died following his own battle with the MND.

Barrow was joined onstage in Manchester by his former Leeds teammate Sinfield, who received a special award from Weir’s son Hamish in recognition of his fundraising to support MND research and awareness. Sinfield became England’s new rugby union backing coach under Steve Borthwick.

It was an extremely emotional moment during the prestigious show as viewers heard how MND affected Burrow’s life and how his wife and best friend cared for him. Many of the stars in the audience were visibly moved when Burrow took the stage, and the home audience poured out their emotions by the thousands.

Speaking through a synthetic voice machine that reproduces his real voice, Burrow, who is currently speechless, said: “I am absolutely blown away by this award because of the number of amazing people who have won it before, including my hero MND Doddy. I don’t think I would be here today if I hadn’t met you less than a week after my diagnosis.I accept the award on your behalf.

“My friend Kevin Sinfield inspires me to keep going. The guy who makes the impossible possible. My family who put their lives on hold to take care of me, especially my beautiful wife Lindsay and my wonderful children. Lindsay hadn’t expected this. to sign it, but she puts me first. I’m not here without her sacrifice.

“Finally, for those suffering from BND. We will not stop. We will find a cure. Thanks.”

Sinfield raised over £7million by running seven marathons in seven days in 2020 and running another 300 miles from Edinburgh to Manchester to raise even more last month.

Elsewhere, a successful night for the Lionesses of England was rounded off by striker Beth Mead winning the Sportsman of the Year award.

The 27-year-old Arsenal player, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, was the star of England’s success, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot as well as being named UEFA’s Player of the Tournament.

Meade won the poll ahead of England cricket captain Ben Stokes and Olympic curling champion Eva Muirhead.

Complete List of BBC SPOTY Awards

Sports Personality of the Year: Beth Mead

Team of the Year: England Women’s National Football Team

Coach of the Year: Sarina Vigman

Young sports personality: Jessica Gadirova

Lifetime Achievement: Usain Bolt

Helen Rollason Award: Rob Burrow

Special Award: Kevin Sinfield

Unsung Hero: Mike Alden

World sports star: Lionel Messi