WATCH: Kevin Sinfield receives widespread praise after ‘inspirational moment’ with Rob Burrow at Leeds Marathon
England defence coach Kevin Sinfield once again showed what an incredible person and friend he is to former team-mate Rob Burrow over the weekend.
Sinfield has been a giant in his fundraising ever since close friend and fellow Leeds Rhinos great Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.
He’s raised millions with ventures like the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge (running seven back-to-back ultra-marathons), as well as seven marathons in seven days.
Highly emotional moment
On Sunday, Sinfield continued his incredible acts of kindness and friendship at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, pushing Burrow the 26.2 miles.
But spectators were not expecting what happened next as, in a highly emotional moment, Sinfield picked up Burrow before carrying him across the finish line.
The former Leicester Tigers assistant coach gave his old friend a kiss on the neck and some words were exchanged between them as the crowd cheered.
Kevin Sinfield emotionally carried his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, having pushed his friend around the 26.2 miles in his wheelchair ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yqSIakPgYr
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 14, 2023
Sunday’s race, which saw 12,500 other runners in attendance, coincided with the Leeds Half Marathon. The event was held by Leeds City Council in partnership with Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All charity and has already surpassed the £1m fundraising mark.
“To raise money for the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity is really important, but this is also about a celebration of friendship,” England assistant coach and rugby league legend Sinfield told the PA news agency on the Friday before the run.
Unsurprisingly the video of the moment Sinfield carried Burrow over the line received widespread praise and an outpouring of emotion on social media.
Ireland legend Rob Kearney wrote: “This is beyond beautiful – two out and out heroes… teammates taken to a whole new level. Epitome of inspiration.”
Two inspirational humans
Former Scotland lock Jim Hamilton also tweeted, with the now pundit having joined Ed Slater on a 350-mile bike ride last year after his MND diagnosis.
Sir Kevin Sinfield and his best mate @Rob7Burrow
One of the most powerful moments I have ever seen. Two inspirational humans showing the meaning of love and hope. pic.twitter.com/hCCjdroZ9Z
— Jim Hamilton (Vice Captain) (@jimhamilton4) May 14, 2023
Television presenter Dan Walker tweeted on his page: “These 2 send me over the edge every time. The power of friendship. #RobBurrow #SirKevinSinfield”
Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, also completed the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and has raised over £60,000, which is considerably more than her target of £7,777.
Sinfield spoke to BBC Breakfast at the finish line and revealed that doing a challenge together with close friend Burrow was extra special in the city of Leeds.
'I knew how much it meant to him'
Kevin Sinfield spoke to #BBCBreakfast after carrying his friend Rob Burrow over the line at the end of the Leeds marathon named after his friend and rugby league legendhttps://t.co/Zy5V86QBox pic.twitter.com/YSG3tTvFS7
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) May 15, 2023
Sinfield will shortly link up with the England squad as they begin preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with their opening game on September 9.
