Rugby legend Kevin Sinfield has shown his support for a father and son’s marathon challenge. Michael Cole from Dumfries was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in November 2022 – an illness that has claimed the life of Kevin’s former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow. In May, Michael – who is 73 – will be pushed round the Edinburgh Marathon by son Andrew in a special sports wheelchair to raise awareness of the disease as well as vital funds for MND Scotland. And Kevin, who has raised more than £11million for MND charities in honour of Rob, who wore the number seven shirt during his career, has recorded a special message of support. In the video, released by MND Scotland, he said: “I just wanted to wish Michael and Andrew Cole all the best for the Edinburgh Marathon. “I hear this is your seventh marathon Michael and that is a great number, as you know. “Hopefully Andrew will give you a smooth ride around the beautiful city of Edinburgh and I hope you both really enjoy it. “Good luck!” Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and died from the disease last year. It has also claimed the life of Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Kevin’s epic charity efforts –often revolving around Rob’s shirt number – have helped numerous MND charities and he has also been awarded a CBE. Michael, who now lives in Penicuik in Midlothian, had run a number of marathons before his diagnosis and this will be the second time he and Andrew have taken on a race together. Last year, they tackled the Great Scottish Run for MND, with Dumfries Running Club members cheering the pair on. Next up is the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 25. The pair can be sponsored at their JustGiving page .