Kevin Sinfield pays touching tribute to ‘brave’ best mate Rob Burrow

Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has paid tribute to his great friend and former rugby team-mate Rob Burrow, calling him a “beacon of hope and inspiration”.

Burrow’s family and former club Leeds Rhinos announced today (Sunday) that the 41-year-old has sadly passed away after a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

Following the announcement, Kevin Sinfield, who has raised millions for charity alongside Burrow, paid an emotional tribute to his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate, describing him as “a beacon of hope and inspiration”.

READ MORE: The story behind the powerful Rob Burrow image that moved a nation

He wrote in a statement: “Today was the day I hoped would never come.

“The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to many. You fought so bravely to the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only to the MND community, but to all who saw and heard your story.

“My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your family and friends.

“You will continue to inspire me every day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special moments we shared both on and off the field. I would always say you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played with. However, since your diagnosis, you have been the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

“For the past four and a half years you have shown the world what it looks like to live and love and it has always been done with the biggest smile on your face. “I will miss you my friend. All my love, Kev. X””

In late 2020, Sinfeld ran seven marathons in seven days, raising £2.7 million for MND charities following Burrow’s diagnosis.

He raised a further £1 million in November 2021 with a 161-mile run in 24 hours from his new club Leicester Tigers to Headingley, while the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge the following November, seven ultra-continuous. marathons, generated over £1.4 million.

Sinfield and Burrows then completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023, after Sinfield pushed his friend for 26.2 miles.

With just meters to go, an emotional Sinfield lifted Burrow from his specially adapted wheelchair and the pair completed the course together in front of a cheering crowd at Headingley Stadium.

After the Leeds Marathon, Sinfield went on to run seven ultra-marathons in seven different cities in as many days in December.

Sinfield and Burrow are estimated to have raised around £15 million for MND charities in their fundraising efforts.