Marathon

It is instructive to observe children playing together, particularly when they are siblings. While out walking recently I watched as a little girl, aged about 7, stopped running mid stride and turn around. She was obviously looking for someone. Soon a little boy of about 3 came into view, having struggled to reach the top of the small hill where his playmate was waiting. I had expected the little girl to admonish him for his tardiness or lack of speed.. Instead she shouted to him. “Hi George, I was worried about you. Do you need a hand?” The little boy replied, breathlessly, “No Susanne I’m fine. I’ve just got wee legs”. Susanne sat down and waited until George reached her, at which point she gave him what can only be described as a bear hug and said “You know I love you little brother?”. He melted into her embrace with a huge smile of contentment. I sensed he already knew.
I was moved over the weekend by the beautiful picture of Kevin Sinfield a former Rugby International, carrying his close friend, Rob Burrow over the finishing line in the Leeds charity marathon. For those who don’t know the context, Rob was also a professional rugby player with the same team as Kevin. They had been team-mates and close friends. Then in 2019 Rob developed Motor Neurone disease, which resulted in him having to use a wheel chair to get around. Kevin had pushed Ron for 26.2 miles of the marathon and a few feet from the finishing line, he had stopped the wheelchair and lifted his friend into his arms, and proceeded to carry him across the line, giving him an affectionate kiss on his cheek as he walked. I had witnessed love in action.
Kevin is an amazing role model. He has raised over £8million for MND charities so far by running sponsored marathons, to highlight the disease and its devastating impact on men and women. He was not just content to write to papers and MPs. Nor was he interested in becoming a celebrity endorser. Motivated by his friend’s experiences, he just wanted to make a difference, to support research into the condition so others might be saved from its grip.
Two examples of selflessness – markedly different in impact, but each borne out of care, compassion and love for another person.
If only that same spirit of reckless generosity could infect this place I call home. Imagine the difference if we committed to ensure “their” future was secured in “our future” . We could create a truly shared future and relegate the idea of a “shared out” as an option.
We have a particular responsibility to be change makers as is part of our job description. . This is our model. To carry out prodigal acts of grace