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'Magical' moment for Hull KR fan with MND

Holly Phillips
BBC News
Dale Baxter/BBC Craig Eskrett, wearing a red jumper, stood with a woman, who is also wearing a red jumper, and a child on City Hall's balcony. Media crews with cameras are surrounding them. A large red banner reads 'I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU' in capitals with white logos on both sides.Dale Baxter/BBC
Craig Eskrett appeared with his family on the Hull City Hall balcony as part of Hull Kingston Rovers' Challenge Cup parade

A Hull Kingston Rovers fan, living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), said it was "magical" to see his team win the Challenge Cup.

Hull KR beat Warrington Wolves at Wembley Stadium on Saturday to win the trophy for the first time in 45 years.

Thousands of fans cheered as long-term fan Craig Eskrett was invited onto the city hall's balcony at a victory parade on Sunday before the players lifted their trophy.

"It's something I won't ever forget. It's hard to put into words how emotional and amazing it was," Mr Eskrett said.

He added: "I can't put into words how special that was. I think I cried quite a lot. Players were giving me hugs and making sure I was alright.

"It's happy tears and tears from the support. Honestly, it's so special. You can't take that away from anyone."

Liam Foster Liam Foster standing by his bike on a rugby pitch wearing a blue MND fundraising top, with Craig Eskrett wearing a red and white Hull KR scarf.Liam Foster
Craig Eskrett and his friend Liam Foster have taken on a number of challenges to help raise funds for MND charities

On Sunday, Hull KR fans watched as the famous trophy was paraded on an open top bus, following Saturday's 8-6 victory.

Mr Eskrett - who has worked with the club to raise funds for those affected by MND - said he was delighted to have been a part of the celebrations.

"I never thought in a million years I'd be stood on the top of the city hall being applauded by Hull fans," Mr Eskrett said.

"It's evident that there's always a community in the east side of Hull. They all come together and support their own and I'm honestly so grateful for that."

He added: "The support only helps motivate me to keep going and fight this awful disease."

Dale Baxter/BBC Hull KR players celebrating on the Hull City Hall balcony, raising a trophy high. They are dressed in red and white shirts with medals and are cheering. A large red banner below reads, 'I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU' in capitals with white logos on either side. Dale Baxter/BBC
Hull KR players celebrated with thousands of fans during a victory parade around the city on Sunday

Mr Eskrett said Hull KR had "spoiled" him since he was diagnosed with MND in 2024.

"Mentally I'm really good, really strong. Physically, there are changes but I do believe it's mental strength I've got that's got me to where I am today," he said.

Speaking of Saturday's win, Mr Eskrett said: "It's only things as a kid you dream of. It's a bit cliché but I've been supporting this team since I was five-years-old and to witness what I've witnessed yesterday was something."

The Robins scored a try in the the 78th minute, with Mikey Lewis' winning conversion leading them to the trophy with less than two minutes left.

Mr Eskrett said: "It was emotional when the time went over. I was crying. I actually forgot we needed the kick to win the game. It was just, it was magical."

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