Sir Kevin Sinfield broke down in tears as he recalled the last time he saw his friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow before his tragic death.
Burrow passed away in June 2024 at the age of 41, having been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019. At the time of his diagnosis, he was told he may only have a year to live, but the rugby league icon defied expectations and inspired millions of people before sadly passing away three-and-a-half years later.
Before he died, he helped to raise millions of pounds in aid of MND charities alongside Sinfield, who has vowed to keep fundraising until a cure for the devastating life-limiting condition has been found.
Ultramarathon challenges and fundraising
The 46-year-old has since put himself through a series of hellish ultramarathon challenges, raising more than £11 million for research and support for sufferers of MND. He has now set off on the final edition of his 7 in 7 challenge, in which he will aim to complete seven ultramarathons in seven days in memory of Burrow.
Ahead of his latest incredible challenge, Sinfield - who was awarded a knighthood earlier this year - appeared on The High Performance Podcast to share his memories of his late friend and explain exactly why he is so determined to raise as much money and awareness as possible.
Final moments described
During the conversation with podcast co-host Damian Hughes, the Leeds Rhinos legend couldn't hide his emotion as he opened up on the final moments he spent with Burrow before he passed away.
“The last day I saw him was the day before he passed and it was tough,” he explained. “I was in an England rugby camp and got the message. I knew all week he'd been poorly and got the message he was close.”
“So I got back up north and went to see him. And as I looked through the little window to his private room he was fast asleep with breathing apparatus on.”
“Anyway I crept in and saw his mum and his sister and I sat with him and he woke up. So I did what I normally did: I tried to make him laugh and told him what I was up to. It was really sad. Sad, but beautiful.”
“We both knew it was the last time,” he continued. “I knew, I was pretty sure and I'm pretty sure he did too. The minute he opened his eyes he had the biggest smile. I always got a smile regardless of what was going on.”
“It was his way of saying that everything's alright and no matter what's going on in life, what's weighing heavy on you, what you're mulling over, it doesn't matter.”
“It was his way of saying to just get on with living and loving and taking some risks. In the final interaction I kissed his forehead and told him I loved him.”
Emotional farewell
Recalling the moment he left the room for the final time, a tearful Sinfield choked up and took time to compose himself before adding: “As I was leaving, I looked back one last time and he was looking back at me with a smile, which was what he always did.”
“Throughout all that time he couldn't speak he would always smile at the start and smile when I left. Even his most difficult moments when I'm sure he knew, he still found the energy for a smile.”
“I only saw him upset twice, when he was first diagnosed. After that he was so positive about life.”
