“He’s like another son to me” – Geoff Burrow touching words to Kevin Sinfield

Correspondent
Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Geoff Burrow

Kevin Sinfield, with Rob Burrow, at Headingley Stadum after completing the Extra Mile Challenge from Leicester to Leeds

Geoff Burrow, the dad of Rob, has hailed Kevin Sinfield following his latest superhuman fundraising efforts.

The former England rugby league international completed his extra mile challenge in support of his good friend Burrow. It is set to raise more than £1million.

His 101-run mile from Leicester, where he now works as defence coach with the Tigers, took its toll, with Sinfield unable to speak to waiting reporters as he was whisked away immediately after completing his commitments with the BBC’s Breakfast Show.

Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019, was at Headingley for the emotional return of his close friend, accompanied by his wife and three children and father Geoff, who has been a driving force behind the bid to find a cure for MND.

Sinfield helped raise £2.7million by running seven marathons in seven days last December and his latest fund-raising effort also caught the imagination of the country.

Geoff Burrow hails Kevin Sinfield

Geoff Burrow said: “It’s nothing short of a miracle, really. He’s superhuman.

“I said before this that he’s done enough. I think this is the ultimate one, I don’t think he should even try anything like this again. But who knows with Kevin?

“We’ve all been part of a big family ever since the famous Leeds team achieved what they achieved, he’s like another son to me. His mum and dad must be so proud, it’s beyond words.

“It’s difficult to take in. Whilst we all knew he would do it, the main thing is that Kevin took care of himself.

“The money is great but nowhere as important as Kevin’s health. But he’s done it, I don’t know how.”

INCREDIBLE: Kevin Sinfield completes staggering 101-mile run for Rob Burrow and MND

Sinfield’s Giveasyoulive fund-raising page went past £800,000 – with another £160,000 in gift aid – within an hour of him crossing the finishing line. It will be divided between the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity to build a new care home in the name of Burrow.

Geoff continued: “It’s going to take the ball over the line, just watch this space.

“I’m hopeful all the time but this is making a difference.

“It’s not just the rugby league family any more, it’s rugby union, it’s the sporting family, the whole country.”

SIR KEV: “Have to knight Sir Kev” – Tributes pour in for Kevin Sinfield after mammoth effort

 

Sinfield, who was accompanied on the last leg of his run by Burrow’s wife Lindsey and oldest daughter Macy, says he was driven by the presence of his old team-mate.

He told the BBC: “It was really tough at times, especially the end, but it’s down to my little mate here.”

Rob Burrow’s message to Sinfield

In a message on his recording device, wheelchair-bound Burrow said: “Today is an amazing day for the MND community. It will benefit every sufferer.

“To my amazing friend Kev, you don’t realise the impact you have had on me and all the MND community.”

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Meanwhile, Geoff insists the forthcoming two-year anniversary of his son’s diagnosis will be no special landmark.

He said: “With the original diagnosis and prognosis, you hear it takes life within 12 months or two years, but it’s not taking Rob’s and hopefully with the awareness and the money that’s been raised, it’s not taking too many other people, if any.

“That’s the main thing. It won’t be a landmark because there’s going to be a lot more landmarks and landmarks of Rob and others getting effective treatment now and getting better.”

To make a donation to Sinfield’s fundraising page, click here.

READ MORE: The greatest Grand Final performance of all time? Rob Burrow for Leeds in 2011

Super League Geoff Burrow