Over the past week there has been a plethora of superb activities taking place across our Trust family of schools including democracy in action with our school councils, and the Premier League trophy visit. However, it has also been tinged with sadness after the passing of two great people. Firstly, the inspirational Rob Burrow CBE and then, this weekend, the tragic case of Dr Michael Mosley.

I know many of us shed a tear when Kevin Sinfield carried his friend across the finish line of the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023. That singular moment demonstrates how significant it was for Rob to finish the marathon as part of his own pursuit to raise awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) and to raise much-needed funds to support research as well as the development of new facilities.

Rob was a true Yorkshireman. He was born in Pontefract, grew up in Castleford and played for Leeds Rhinos. Rob had a superb career in rugby and part of his legacy will be, not only his speed and talent on the field, but his tenacious and resilient approach to help raise awareness of MND. It was extremely poignant timing that ground was broken on The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds last Monday, the day after he died. Rob previously said that he wanted the centre to be a 'beacon of hope and support' for those affected by the illness, which includes both patients and their families. Rob's dream was that every person who walks through the door should feel supported, understood and never alone. 

Rob Burrow's values are absolutely in line with ours, and one of our Headteacher's trained and ran the marathon to support Rob and this important cause. Rob and Kevin have demonstrated such friendship, compassion and care, and are an inspiration to us all.

Dr Michael Mosley studied medicine in London and qualified as a doctor. For the last two decades he worked as a presenter, journalist, author and documentary maker to spread his message more widely. Dr Mosley helped many people to lead healthier lives and often used himself to carry out his research. His studies and research around eating a healthy diet helped many people avoid type 2 diabetes. 

Both of these great men leave a fitting legacy, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this sad time. As we begin the Great Get Together this June we remember this is a time to bring people together through one connection at a time, and to celebrate extraordinary people such as Rob Burrow, Michael Mosley and Jo Cox, and to remember and celebrate their fantastic achievements in life. Their legacy lives on. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra!