Prince William has led national tributes to Sir Kevin Sinfield ahead of a special new BBC documentary celebrating the rugby league legend’s £13 million Motor Neurone Disease (MND) fundraising heroics.
The hour-long feature, produced by BBC Breakfast, offers an intimate look at Sinfield’s epic endurance challenges since 2020, including seven ultramarathons in seven days and running 101 miles in 24 hours, inspired by his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow.
His Royal Highness, who joined Sinfield on his recent challenge, praised the former Leeds Rhinos captain for his “quiet leadership” in a moving tribute.
“He’s a kind, caring human being, but he’s still a lunatic,” Prince William said, expressing his awe at Sinfield’s superhuman achievements.
Speaking in preview footage shared by BBC Breakfast, Sinfield modestly downplayed his efforts:
“People ask me now, ‘What’s your superpower?’” Sinfield said. “And I never had one, but what I could do is get a bit more out of you.”
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Initially setting out to raise £77,777 for Burrow and his family in 2020, Sinfield smashed his target within a week by raising over £2 million, sparking a six-year campaign that has transformed public awareness and raised over £13 million for those living with MND.
The documentary features deeply personal contributions from Sinfield’s parents, Ray and Beryl, alongside emotional reflections from Rob Burrow’s family. Burrow’s wife Lindsey reminds viewers that “everyone needs a friend like Kev,” while daughter Macy describes him as a “real-life superhero”.
Rob’s mother, Irene, also revealed she had affectionately called him ‘Sir Kev’ for many years.
Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody and ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Stewart, both living with MND, also discuss the monumental difference Sinfield has made to their lives and the wider community.
Moody revealed Sinfield was one of the first people he spoke to following his diagnosis, while Stewart praised him for rallying a whole community behind the cause.
The documentary, featuring families and individuals living with MND who have joined Sinfield on his runs, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8:00 pm on Monday, October 26.
