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We're all in awe of Jordan's courage and spirit

by
Communications Department
Friday 19 May 2023 09:08

Manchester United supporter Jordan Pilkington is the latest person to be given a morale boosting lift by Rugby League legend and former Great Britain, England and Leeds Rhinos star Kevin Sinfield in a special message played at Old Trafford this week.

Sinfield, who captured the nation’s hearts when he carried his former team-mate and friend Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday, has now provided inspiration for Jordan, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019.

 

A lifelong United fan, Jordan became a member at three and has been a season ticket holder for 12 years, attending home and away matches with his dad, Zane. He was just 22 when he discovered he had MND – one of the youngest to suffer from the disease in the UK.

Before his diagnosis, Jordan often joined The Red Army in the Stretford End at Old Trafford and now has become part of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association (MUDSA), attending matches on the wheelchair platform with his dad at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Earlier this week at the MUDSA annual official dinner, the club organised a special message from Sinfield, who has raised more than £7.5m for MND charities since the diagnosis of Burrow.  The video was played by club captain Harry Maguire and captured by BBC Breakfast at the start of the afternoon before Jordan met all his United heroes.

 

Sinfield said in his heartfelt message: ‘Jordan, I have heard your story, I have heard all about you. You are an amazing guy. Just like my mate Rob, you have inspired everyone who knows you with your fight, courage and bravery. You are a true champion.’

Jordan, through a computer he uses to communicate, responded: ‘Thanks for your message, Kevin. As you can see from my reaction it meant a lot to me. The work and effort you are putting in to raising funds for (those with) the illness and raising awareness is absolutely unreal. We all appreciate everything you do. Let’s get you that well-deserved knighthood.’

Jordan was diagnosed with MND in the summer of 2019 just months after Rob Burrow and in his personal message to Jordan, the inspirational Sinfield recognised the bravery of Jordan, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, in his battle against the disease.
Here's Jordan at the match with his proud dad Zane.
Sinfield has also pledged his running top – he promises it has been washed - from the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to Jordan, who can only communication via eye movements but despite his condition still follows United home and away. 

Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement at Manchester United, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kevin for creating this special moment and recognising Jordan’s bravery just days after completing another marathon to raise vital funds to find a cure for motor neurone disease.
 
“Jordan has been a United supporter all his life and has been coming to Old Trafford with his dad for the last 12 years. In recent seasons, despite his illness, he has continued to attend matches and support the team, and I look forward to seeing him at Bournemouth on Saturday. I know the players showed their own appreciation at the MUDSA event and the message from Kevin made the afternoon even more special. 

“Like Jordan - Kevin provides inspiration for so many people who are suffering from MND and everyone at Manchester United applauds their determination in raising funds to find a cure for this disease”.

Sinfield has accepted an invitation from Jordan and his dad to join them at Old Trafford to watch United next season.

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