Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield team up to release two new children’s books
Rob Burrow MBE and Kevin Sinfield OBE are continuing the fight against MND
Long-time colleagues and fierce friends Rob Burrow MBE and Kevin Sinfield OBE have now teamed up oncemore, and will release two books over the course of the next 12 months primarily aimed at children.
In their playing days at Leeds Rhinos, the pair won seven Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups as well as lifting the League Leaders’ Shield thrice.
The pair also won the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice each for man of the match performances in Old Trafford showdowns.
It’s after their careers came to an end though that the pair’s friendship has really entered the public domain. Burrow was diagnoses with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019, and since, both he and his ‘best pal’ have picked up the fight against the disease with numerous fundraising campaigns.
Now in a coaching capacity within England’s rugby union setup, Sinfield ran seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days last year. Embracing the number seven within their campaigns as that’s the one worn by Burrow during his career with the Rhinos, Oldham-born Sinfield concluded those seven days at the World Cup Final, fittingly at Old Trafford.
Their fundraising efforts are also dedicated to the late Doddie Weir and ex-footballer Stephen Darby, who were both diagnosed with MND. The pair now have their next steps confirmed.
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield to release two children’s books
Super League recently held an ‘MND awareness’ round, kicked off by an emotional night at Headingley as Leeds beat Huddersfield Giants.
Burrow and wife Lindsey were both in attendance, along with children Jackson, Macy and Maya. The latter two were the stars of the night, taking over the Sky Sports coverage of the event.
The Rhinos earlier today confirmed their dad and Sinfield would be releasing the two books.
‘With You Every Step: A Celebration of Friendship’ will be released first. This will be a gift book, which is suitable for all ages, containing heartfelt words from the two friends that have been brought to life with artwork from leading UK illustrators. Out on November 9, it can be pre-ordered HERE.
Meanwhile, children’s picture book ‘Try’ is yet to have a release date set, but has been confirmed as in the first half of 2024.
With full-colour illustrations, the second of the books is a story which will champion affectionate male friendship and is aimed in particular at young male readers.
The two former England internationals want to show the true meaning of friendship to children, and that every child can make a difference in the world just by sticking by their friends in the tough times.
Burrow and Sinfield want to spread the message of friendship with books
On announcing the news of the two books, Burrow said in a statement: “Whether it’s Pooh and Piglet or Sherlock and Watson, great friendships abound in literature.
“True friends like Kevin are always with you even when times are tough. I used to love reading bedtime stories to my three children, usually multiple times because they would try and delay their bedtime!
“I’m delighted we’ll be working with Macmillan Children’s books to bring the message of friendship to many.”
Sinfield, who this year received his OBE, added: “I believe the connections and interactions we have with people, especially friends and family, are the most valuable things in life.
“To create a book based around friendship, we hope it will help many parents, not just fathers, connect with their children and provide an insight into what true friendship is.
“I hope children across the world get to experience the friendship that Rob and I share.”