Kevin Sinfield awarded knighthood as Rob Burrow's wife says 'everyone should have a friend like him'

Kevin Sinfield awarded knighthood as Rob Burrow's wife says 'everyone should have a friend like him' The Mirror exclusively revealed rugby league legend and Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser Kevin Sinfield is set to be honoured in the King's Birthday Honours this weekend The wife of Rob Burrow said “everyone should have a friend like Kevin” as it was officially announced Kevin Sinfield is receiving a knighthood. The Mirror exclusively revealed rugby league legend and Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser Kev, 45, is set to be honoured in the King's Birthday Honours this weekend. It recognises his extraordinary efforts in memory of his late friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob, who sadly died from the devastating muscle-wasting condition aged 41 two years ago. Kev has taken part in several gruelling superhuman marathons, raising £11million for MND charities over the years. Rob’s wife Lindsey said: “On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood, we are all delighted for him and I can not think of a more deserving recipient. Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research." Lindsay added: "I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner. As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition.” In a glittering career, Kev captained his only club, Leeds Rhinos to an incredible 15 major honours in an 18-year career before retiring in 2015. After best pal Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, he began his ironman charity marathons. A proud Kev said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the Rugby and MND communities. “Since I first played rugby when I was seven, Rugby League has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with Rugby League’s second ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.” He said: “I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life. That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots. “That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times. “My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration.” Kev added: “The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs. As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease and he is never far from my thoughts. “We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day. “I am pleased that this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge. “I would like to thank my family for their wonderful support and all those who have given me their support over the years, I am incredibly grateful.” Kev was awarded an MBE in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding playing career and an OBE in 2021 for his work in raising awareness and funds for those impacted by MND. In 2023 Kev famously carried Rob over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon. In 2024, both he and Rob were awarded a CBE for their contribution to the MND community and Rugby League. Prince William, visited Headingley Stadium to conduct the investiture. Dad-of-three Rob tragically died five months later after living with MND for four-and-a-half years. Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Jamie Jones-Buchanan said: “On behalf of everyone associated with Leeds Rhinos, I would like to send my whole hearted congratulations to Kevin on this thoroughly deserved award. “I was fortunate to stand alongside Kevin for so many years in the heat of battle but also the quiet of a dressing room, in good times and tough moments. “He was the cultural architect of a special generation of players in our game’s history, he embodies everything that is great about Rugby League; his humbleness, his determination, his authenticity. “For him to become only our second ever Knight in over 130 years, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sir Billy Boston only recently, says a great deal about how he has changed the landscape for our sport. “He was a wonderful team mate, an inspiring captain but most importantly he remains a great friend and I am so proud today for him that he has been recognised by the nation in this way.” Kev has announced his final 7 in 7 challenge - The Grand Finale, where he will run between Hull and Manchester, visiting all 12 English Super League grounds on the way. Starting on September 27, he will run an ultra marathon every day finishing ahead of kick off at the Super League Grand Final in front of 70,000 fans at Old Trafford.