Sir Kevin Sinfield's new BBC documentary, Thank You Sir Kev, aired on Monday night (October 26) and showed the former rugby star becoming emotional as he spoke about his fundraising work for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and the promise he made to his late friend Rob Burrow.
The 30-minute programme followed the 46-year-old as he reflected on the challenges he has completed since 2020, which have raised more than £13 million for MND charities. Viewers saw Sinfield overcome with emotion during an interview with Sally Nugent, who remarked: "You have already been called Sir Kev; it's what you've always been. Now you really are, Sir Kevin Sinfield, what's that like?"
As she spoke, Sinfield became visibly moved, and after taking a deep breath, he replied: "Er, please just Kev." He was officially knighted earlier this year after being named in the King's Birthday Honours list.
Fundraising journey and tribute from Prince William
Sinfield began his fundraising mission after being inspired by Burrow, who died from the condition in 2024 following his diagnosis in 2019. Over the past six years, he has undertaken numerous challenges, including running 101 miles in 24 hours and completing seven marathons in seven days.
Prince William was among those who paid tribute in the documentary, describing Sinfield's knighthood as one of the "easiest decisions" and suggesting he should have been knighted years earlier. Speaking about Sinfield, Prince William added: "He leads from the heart, and I think he's built of quiet steel. You couldn't find a better bloke to lead a campaign around MND. I don't know how he keeps going. I'm worried about his knees, I'm worried about his hips."
Sinfield's promise to Rob Burrow
In the documentary, Sinfield spoke candidly about Burrow and his determination to keep the promise he made to his friend. Addressing the camera directly, he said: "I made a promise to Rob right at the start, trying to raise some money for Rob and his family. Look at the mess that got me into."
Viewers quickly responded to the programme, with many saying they were moved to tears and hailing Sinfield as an inspiration. On X, one user wrote: "So who else is in tears? Thank you, Sir Kev. Is there or has there ever been a more humble or selfless human being than Sir Kevin Sinfield? As Prince William says, we all need more Kevin Sinfield in this world."
Another commented: "I'm shedding tears here. Thank You Sir Kev. Amen." A third viewer wrote: "Watched Thank You Sir Kev on iPlayer. That is humbling/inspiring. Kevin Sinfield is the best of us. He will make you feel better. Makes me cry as soon as he opens his mouth. Wonderful Human."
One viewer remarked: "Thank you, Sir Kev. The best 28 minutes on the BBC for ages. Totally heartwarming programme." Another added: "Something in my eye after watching Thank You Sir Kev tonight. Everyone needs a friend like Sir Kevin Sinfield. What he's done for Rob, his family, and the MND community is friendship, loyalty, and determination at its very best. Quite simply, Sir Kev."
Thank You Sir Kev is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
