Kevin Sinfield: 'Being with Rob reminds me of what really matters in life' Photo: Paul Cooper.
Rob Burrow lost his voice a long time ago due to the devastating effects of a motor neurone disease, but the bonds he forged in the all-conquering Leeds Rhinos live on.
He regularly texts Kevin Sinfield, his former teammate team and captain who has raised over £8 million for MND charities since Burrow was diagnosed in December 2019.
“Rob is smart and has never lost that – he knows exactly what's going on,” says Sinfield, who recently completed Rob Burrow's first Marathon in Leeds, pushing his big friend 26.2 miles in a specially adapted wheelchair.
“He's insightful, and I think people are beginning to understand that. With ALS, your muscles stop working, but your brain functions normally"
“If you were reading our text messages, you wouldn't know what he's going through. I still get the best of Rob Burrow, albeit in a different way.”
Burrow's tragic plight has shaken the rugby league world, where he is revered after winning eight Grand Finals with Leeds as a brilliant miniature midfielder.
Sinfield, however, has always been by his side.
Indeed , a group of brothers who played Headingley together were a huge support network, regularly visiting Burrow at his family home in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
Sinfield, who left Leicester Tigers last December to take over as England rugby defense coach, adds: “We're all trying to do our part.” and it doesn't end just because you've finished playing."
“We know that at any moment, if the Batman sign appears and someone is in a quarrel, we will be there for them. That's what good teammates do, isn't it?
“They take care of each other and we all try to support Rob as much as we can. He obviously has a busy secular calendar, and his holidays look like Judith Chalmers!"
“We also have our own jobs and families, but I try to get through every couple of weeks. I love seeing Rob and spending time with him."
“Every time I'm with him he makes me laugh, shows me what fighting is and inspires me. Being with Rob reminds me of what really matters in life. I'm very grateful for that.”
When Burrow was diagnosed, Sinfield shed a tear and swore an oath.
Support your beloved friend every step of the way as the incurable disease ruthlessly takes hold of him.< /p>
But it wasn't. goes deeper. Sinfield completed an epic running event in 2020 and 2021 that raised over £5 million before running seven ultramarathons in seven days last November.
'Giving your passion to something else was incredible& #39;
This prompted further calls for a knighthood for a man affectionately called “Sir Kev” in league circles.
“After the first test I did, I realized how important it was for me to help people,” Sinfield reflects.
“I knew it as a player and captain, but in order to be able to throw all my passion into something what else was unbelievable.”
“It's a terrible circumstance, but we're trying to make the most of it. I realized that some parts of my life have changed a lot, but I would also say that I have not changed at all."
“I know that I can try to use part of this platform to make people's lives better. If that means I feel a little uncomfortable at times, so be it."
“I understand that I have a very important job in England, especially in a World Cup year. But the great thing about running is that it helps me become a better coach."
“When players see that you help others, it resonates with them.”
Sinfield (right) is greeted at the finish line by his former teammate Burrow during the extra mile event in 2021. Photo: Getty Images/Allan McKenzie. Paul Hayward has just been released.
It details his journey from childhood at Oldham to captaining Leeds, moving to Leicester Tigers and helping them out last season in the Premier League before joining England with Steve Borthwick.
And, of course, his ruthless and unwavering support for Burrow.
Sinfield is a devoted family man, and eldest son Jack, 18, plays in the first team of the Leeds Rhinos, and 15-year-old Sam plays football.
“I love watching both of my boys play and having a lot of fun,” says Sinfield.
“I go there as often as I can, and my wife Jane and I are like any parent ”.
“ We want the best for our children, which means that they should be happy and healthy.”
The 42-year-old man has done so much to draw attention to a condition that has a life expectancy of two to three years for those diagnosed, but research for which is still underfunded.
'People who have MND do not time'
He will continue to press the government for the £50m investment in MND research they promised in November 2021.
“I was told £27m ”, says Sinfield.
“Applications have been submitted and some research grants have been approved.”
“It was a huge step forward and it's clear that another £23 million can be played.”
“It's about giving these smart minds, professionals across the country as much money as possible to try and find the medicine as quickly as possible."
“How much money can you pump in? Here's what will speed it up. People with ALS don't have time, so we have to keep doing what we're doing.”
It's not yet known what his next fundraising feat will be.
But Sinfield's iconic images lifting 40-year-old Burrow out of his wheelchair and carrying him across the finish line at the recent Leeds Marathon served as a beautiful depiction of a special friendship.
" It was a special moment and better than any trophy,” adds Sinfield, who has led Leeds to seven Grand Final victories and Barrow has been a team-mate in every one of them.
An extra mile, Kevin Sinfield. not now. Listen to Sinfield talk with Claire Balding on Tuesday, May 30th at 7:30pm at Conway Hall London.
Tickets: waterstones.com/event
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