BBC viewers were moved to tears during the documentary 'Thank You Kev', which aired on Monday night and focused on Sir Kevin Sinfield's charity work for his late friend Rob Burrow. The programme featured a previously unheard voice note from Burrow, prompting an emotional response from audiences.
Sinfield's fundraising efforts since 2020
Since 2020, Sinfield has raised over £13million for motor neurone disease (MND) through a series of demanding ultramarathon challenges. Burrow died in 2024 at the age of 41. The funds raised have helped establish a dedicated MND centre in Leeds.
During the documentary, tributes came from former England rugby international Lewis Moody, ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Stewart, Burrow's wife Lindsey, and the Prince of Wales.
Burrow's family and friends pay tribute
Burrow's daughter Macy spoke about the centre, saying: "I just think the centre is incredible. It's exactly what my dad and doctor Jung imagined it to be and it just gives that little bit of extra hope to families. Thanks to Kev and everyone who has fundraised, people can now come as it's a safe space. It's really nice to see and I'm sure my dad would definitely be smiling."
The unheard voicenote from Burrow read: "Once in your life you come across a special human being. My friend Kevin Sinfield, you are one of a kind, mate. Everyone needs a friend like Kev."
Emotional response from viewers
Burrow's mother Irene expressed the family's affection for Sinfield, saying: "We've known Kev for a long, long time. Sir Kev, as we've called him, we've called him that for many, many years. When Rob was diagnosed, we thought our world had come to an end. We were all devastated and Kev just putting his arm around him, letting him know he was there for him. That is what Kevin Sinfield is."
Lindsey described Sinfield's support as priceless, saying: "Rob was incredibly proud to have Kevin as his captain, as his teammate. He's just been there since day one. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Rob with his battle with MND." Viewers shared positive comments on social media, with one saying: "Two minutes into #thankyouSirKev and I've gone already," while another added: "Kevin Sinfield totally deserves to be knighted."
