Kevin Sinfield says ‘inspirational’ Rob Burrow has changed attitudes towards MND

Kevin Sinfield continues to be inspired by Rob Burrow and believes his former Leeds team-mate has “galvanised” the public perception of motor neurone disease.

The pair shared a dressing room at the Rhinos for nearly 15 years and returned to their old stomping ground of Headingley Stadium on Monday morning to celebrate the launch of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 14, 2023.

Burrow was diagnosed in December 2019 with MND, a degenerative condition affecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord, but Sinfield remains in awe at his close friend’s resolve and fighting spirit.

Sinfield told the PA news agency: “It’s been incredible what Rob has been able to do. It’s almost galvanised the UK. Everybody understands what MND is now because of Rob and a number of others.

“He’s been so brave and courageous, but inspirational is probably the word I’d use to describe him the most.

“People who were once ashamed of being diagnosed with MND, or found it difficult explaining what MND was, now aren’t. That’s such a change in people’s attitudes.

“We’ve got to help these people and Rob’s right at the forefront of that and whilst he’s willing to fight like he has, we’ll continue doing what we do.”

He's been so brave and courageous, but inspirational is probably the word I'd use to describe him the most.- Kevin Sinfield on Rob Burrow

Sinfield raised more than £2million for the MND Association when in December 2020 he ran seven marathons in seven days – a nod to Burrow’s shirt number during a decorated playing career.

Next year’s marathon, the first to be staged in 20 years in Leeds, will have 7,777 places available and is set to feature an altogether new route that will start and finish at Headingley Stadium.

Sinfield, who appeared in 12