Oldham rugby legend Kevin Sinfield paid tribute to his “incredible” friend Rob Burrow after the former Leeds Rhinos team-mates were awarded CBEs in the New Year Honours list.
Fundraising extraordinaire Sinfield has been awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) alongside his former Leeds Rhinos teammate in the latest New Year Honours list.
The pair have raised more than £15million to combat motor neurone disease (MND) through a series of challenges since Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.
Earlier this month, Sinfield completed his ‘7 in 7 in 7’ challenge in which he ran seven ultramarathons in seven cities across Britain and Ireland in seven days.
“I think it is really special that Rob has been recognised again,” said Sinfield, who has gained the nickname 'Sir Kev' for his charitable work.
“The bravery and courage that Rob and his amazing family have shown as he is fighting MND is wonderful; to open the front door and to show the world what it’s like to live with it, he’s been incredible.
“I think the whole family have shown us all what a great family look like and they’ve been so inspirational.”
It is the third honour bestowed on Sinfield since 2014 as he works his way through the medals.
His first was a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his rugby league career, eight years later in 2021 he received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his fundraising work to help find a cure and help those living with MND.
Burrow said he hoped to receive his award together with Sinfield after his hopes of a joint investiture in 2021, when Burrow received an MBE for his work for the MND community, was scuppered due to illness.
Burrow said: “I am honoured to receive the CBE on behalf of the MND community.
“It is always pleasing to have another opportunity to bang the drum for the whole community and ensure that those living with MND are remembered, especially at this time of year.
“I am particularly pleased that my good friend Kevin Sinfield is also receiving a CBE.
“I hope Kevin and I can go to the palace together in the New Year to enjoy another special occasion together again.”
Following his first quest of seven marathons in seven days in 2020, Sinfield ran 101 miles in under 24 hours from Welford Road in Leicester to Headingley a year later.
Last year’s challenge ended on the pitch at half-time during the men’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford.
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Sinfield added that he was “humbled” by his award which he also dedicated to the MND community.
“I certainly was not expecting the award and this has never been about any recognition, this is about raising money and awareness for the MND community and for fighting for Rob so I feel very humbled by the whole thing,” added Sinfield.
“I feel like I’m the one getting singled out but it’s been a real team effort from everybody. I can’t do it on my own. I need everybody to do their bit and it’s been an incredible journey.”
Last month, the pair released a book which celebrates the friendship of the rugby legends.
The book, which is titled With You Every Step, looks to inspire readers to be there for those they love and explores the values of friendship.
For each copy sold, publisher Macmillan Children's Books will donate 50p to be split equally between the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Leeds Hospital Charity.
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