The BBC documentary reflecting on Sir Kevin Sinfield's fundraising challenges for MND charities left many viewers sobbing within minutes of it airing.
The programme, which aired on Monday (October 26), focused on Sinfield's charity challenges and his close friendship with the late Rob Burrow. In 2019, Burrow was diagnosed with MND, which sparked Sinfield embarking on his first fundraising challenge in 2020. Since then, he has taken on a challenge each year to raise money for MND charities, raising over £13 million to date by undertaking tasks such as running 101 miles in 24 hours and finishing seven marathons in seven days. Burrow died in 2024, but Sinfield has continued his mission to raise as much money as possible.
Emotional moments in the documentary
During the documentary, Sinfield was seen fighting back tears when Sally Nugent referenced his knighthood. It was announced that the 46-year-old would become a Sir when he appeared in the King's Birthday Honours list this year. As the documentary opened, Nugent commented, "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 Nugent spoke, Sinfield became noticeably emotional, his expression changing when she mentioned his official title. After taking a deep breath, he replied: "Er, please just Kev."
In the documentary, Prince William was amongst those who praised Sinfield's achievements, saying it was one of the "easiest decisions" to award him a knighthood and that he should have been Sir Kevin years ago. Elaborating further on 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
Elsewhere in the documentary, Sinfield spoke candidly about Burrow and his determination to honour the promise he made to his late 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 responded quickly to the documentary, with many moved to tears while others hailed Sinfield as a true inspiration. On X, one person 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."
Viewer reactions and availability
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 commented, "Thank you, Sir Kev. The best 28 minutes on the BBC for ages. Totally heartwarming programme." While another wrote: "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.
