Former rugby league star Kevin Sinfield was overcome with emotion during a live interview on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, breaking down in tears as he discussed the tragic death of a teenager from motor neurone disease.
The Heartbreaking Meeting That Sparked The Tears
The 45-year-old sports legend is currently in the midst of an immense physical challenge, running seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days. His '7 in 7: Together' feat aims to raise vital funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND), a cause deeply personal to him following the death of his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow.
The raw emotion surfaced when presenter John Maguire referenced Sinfield's meeting the previous day with the family of 14-year-old Kyle Sieniawski. Kyle, who was diagnosed with MND in January at just 13 years old, tragically passed away last week. He was the youngest person in the UK to be diagnosed with the condition, having initially experienced mobility loss in his arm.
A Family's 'Horrendous' Battle
In a pre-recorded video segment aired on BBC Breakfast, Kyle's parents and brother shared their devastating story. They described the family's desire to meet Sinfield to help highlight the cruel reality of MND, labelling their experience of watching their son deteriorate as "horrific" and "horrendous".
Speaking from South Yorkshire before his fourth ultramarathon—which started at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium—Sinfield was visibly shaken when Maguire suggested the meeting would provide extra motivation for his runs.
"It Has To Stop": Sinfield's Emotional Plea
"Yeah, don't need any extra motivation and then you are..." Sinfield began, before his voice cracked and he clutched his chest, fighting back tears. After Maguire checked if he was alright, Sinfield regained his composure to deliver a powerful message.
"Yes, it's all good," he said. "You see that yesterday and yeah, please donate because that family shouldn't have to go through that." He reflected on how the encounter had affected him and his local community, describing it as "so raw" and admitting that his run had helped him process the overwhelming feelings.
His voice filled with conviction, Sinfield made a direct appeal: "It sticks with you, it can't happen that, it has to stop." This heartfelt moment underscored the brutal human cost of MND that fuels his extraordinary fundraising efforts.
