Why Rob Burrow's marathon finish left me feeling uneasy
The Independent|May 16, 2023
It’s the picture of the day: Kevin Sinfield carrying his former Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the line at the Leeds Marathon
JAMES MOORE
Why Rob Burrow's marathon finish left me feeling uneasy

Burrow has motor neurone disease, and Sinfield had pushed his adapted wheelchair over the previous 26.2 miles before that moment.

And it was emotional, for sure. I don’t want to detract from the efforts of the pair. They raised a stack of cash for research into the incurable condition. Good on them for doing so.

But as someone who uses a wheelchair, I still winced a bit when I saw the image. It made me feel ever so slightly uncomfortable.

Allow me to explain: for many disabled people, the chair serves as their legs. I’m sure Burrow was cool with the moment. I’m sure he gave his consent.

But I worry that it could encourage unwanted help – and unwanted touching – which is an everyday reality.

A number of times I’ve been out, gamely tackling a hill, only to have people coming up behind me out of the blue and start pushing. It’s not as bad as having abuse shouted at me, or being threatened. But it is still frightening.

Please: always ask first. And don’t take offence at a “no” from the guy in the Under Armour gear.

Think about how you would feel if someone came up behind you and grabbed you to “help” you up a hill without first asking. I guess women will understand that quicker than men. Am I right there?

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 16, 2023 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 16, 2023 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

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