Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield were the cornerstones behind the Leeds Rhinos’ success - but it was their friendship off the pitch which made them both superheroes.
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019, two years after hanging up his boots following a magnificent playing career - helping his club dominate the sport and win eight Super League titles. After his diagnosis he raised nearly £20million to fight MND, building a new care centre for MND patients - and all alongside his former team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
The pair met as young boys, when Burrow was 12 and the boy who would become his best friend was 14. They became inseparable and sat next to each other every day in the changing room throughout their 15 years playing for one of rugby league’s greatest sides.
The pair together in 2021 (PA)When Burrow received his diagnosis, his friend remained by his side and wanted to help in any way he could. Their fundraising exploits touched the hearts of millions. There was barely a dry eye last year when, at the end of the Leeds Marathon, Sinfield carried his friend over the finishing line after pushing him for the majority of the run.
Burrow said at the time: "The Marathon was one of the most important and special events I’ve done and meant so many things to so many people. But for me, it was about friendship and crossing the finish line with my mate Kev will live with me forever and it created a platform to raise funds and awareness for MND charities, and I hope the next one is as memorable."
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Rob's wife Lindsey said at the time: "They are an example of true friendship and Kev’s been there from day one with Rob and I think Rob would’ve found it quite tough without Kev's friendship, and that image of them crossing the line kind of symbolises that friendship. Kev is such a role model to us all. He’s so inspirational and what he’s done for Rob has just been incredible. Everybody needs a friend like Kev and we’re just so grateful for the friendship and support that he has given."
Moments after completing the marathon together (PA)They wrote a book together, With You Every Step, which encapsulated their friendship. Their love and support poured out of the pages. Burrow said of the book: “I wanted to do this book with Kev to highlight the importance of friendship and show that there are many ways to be strong. I am hoping the book will appeal to young boys in particular and show friendship can be based on love and vulnerability. I used to love reading stories to my three young children and I hope this book will give them an insight into what true friendship is."
Earlier this year Prince William surprised inspirational campaigner Rob with his CBE in front of his emotional family. In his first royal engagement of the year, the future king travelled to Headingley Stadium in Leeds to congratulate Rob and his former teammate Kevin in their outstanding efforts to raise money and awareness of motor neurone disease.
William told Burrow: "The most amount of thank yous and congratulations for all the inspirational work you've done Rob, you've been amazing and everyone's so proud of you. We've been following your case and all the money you've been raising, and you’re changing people's lives with MND."
The met Prince William earlier this year (PA)Earlier today it was confirmed Rob had passed away at the age of 41. A statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend. Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease). He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob.”
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