Prince William, Lindsey Burrow and Lewis Moody feature in a new BBC documentary called 'Thank You, Sir Kev', which pays tribute to Sir Kevin Sinfield as his 7 in 7 charity fundraisers come to an end. The show includes footage from his final charity ultra marathon challenge, which finished at Old Trafford earlier this month, as well as family photos from his childhood and early career.
Tributes from Prince William and Lewis Moody
Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody, who revealed his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis last year, says he thinks of Sir Kevin "as a hero", but jokes: "That is a word that he would not like to hear." Prince William, who met Sir Kevin at the ceremony presenting him with his knighthood at Windsor Castle earlier this month, is asked when he first met the star and smiles in the trailer released today.
Lindsey Burrow's tribute
Lindsey Burrow, 43, the widow of Sir Kevin's former Leeds Broncos teammate Rob Burrow, who died from Motor Neurone Disease, said: "What he has done for the MND community has been amazing. It was born out of love and friendship." His 7 in 7 team said that as the seven challenges progressed, they realised they were representing an entire community: the families of those people diagnosed with the disease.
Fundraising achievements
Sir Kevin has raised more than £13m for MND charities and research, while his great friend Rob Burrow raised more than £20m. Rob's eldest daughter Macy, 14, describes Sir Kev as a 'real life superhero'. Sir Kevin, 46, tells the BBC documentary, to be aired on October 26: "People ask me now 'What is your superpower?' and I never had one."
Rob Burrow's earlier tribute
Rob Burrow spoke movingly of why Kevin should be given a knighthood as a 'role model for the next generation' - five years before it became a reality. Burrow used his eyegaze technology in a 2021 interview after his old friend had been given an OBE. He said: "I'm absolutely made up for Kevin and his OBE. Some people leave rugby league and they are never talked about again. Some leave a lasting impression on the sport. Nobody will be talked about more than him from the modern era. Not only was he amazing in his performance, but a role model for the next generation."
He added: "And I am lucky enough to all him a good friend. He's stood by my side on the pitch and he continues to be with me through my toughest opponent. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than my mate. Next step is a knighthood. I would love nothing more than to call you Sir Kevin Sinfield!"
Sir Kev said Rob would have been "laughing" but "enormously proud" to see him receive a knighthood. "I think he'd be enormously proud of the support behind a campaign that he started, and we continue in his name." 'Thank You Sir Kev' airs on BBC 1 and iPlayer on October 26 at 8pm.
