The wife of Rob Burrow said “everyone should have a friend like Kevin” as it was officially announced Kevin Sinfield is receiving a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours this weekend. The Mirror exclusively revealed the rugby league legend and Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser, 45, would be honoured for his extraordinary efforts in memory of his late friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob, who died from MND aged 41 two years ago.
Sinfield has taken part in several gruelling superhuman marathons, raising £11 million for MND charities over the years. Rob’s wife Lindsey said: “On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood, we are all delighted for him and I can not think of a more deserving recipient. Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research.”
“Kevin Sinfield receives knighthood for raising £11m for MND charities after friend Rob Burrow's death.”
Lindsey added: “I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner. As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition.”
In a glittering career, Sinfield captained his only club, Leeds Rhinos, to 15 major honours in an 18-year career before retiring in 2015. After best pal Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, he began his ironman charity marathons. A proud Sinfield said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the Rugby and MND communities.
“Since I first played rugby when I was seven, Rugby League has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with Rugby League’s second ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.”
He said: “I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life. That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots.”
Sinfield added: “That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times. My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration.”
Sinfield is not the only sporting star honoured: six members of the England Women’s football team also feature on the list, alongside actress Helen Mirren, according to the Evening Standard.