Helping my pal Rob is the best thing I’ve done in my life

SAYS MARATHON MAN SINFIELD, WHO HAS RAISED £2.7M FOR BURROW & MND RESEARCH

KEVIN SINFIELD says his love for stricken rugby league star Rob Burrow is so strong he would do anything for him.

The Leeds legend ran an astonishing seven marathons in seven days, raising more than £2.7million.

But Sinfield says that is just the tip of the incredible bond he shares with Burrow, who is suffering with Motor Neurone Disease.

He said: “When I say love, I mean I’d do anything for him. We all would. I do not think there is any better feeling than giving people hope and making a small difference.”

Burrow’s health has deteriorated rapidly since he was diagnosed with the incurable disease 14 months ago.

Millions have been raised to help Burrow, his wife and three young children, as well as MND research.

But Sinfield (below, with Burrow, and right), Director of Rugby at Leeds, admitted it was important to try to see the future through his pal’s eyes before doing his week-long marathon challenge.

“I put myself in his shoes and thought, ‘As a dad what would give me comfort?’ The answer was absolutely knowing that everyone was financially secure. That was a big driver for me and his other teammates,” said Sinfield.

“To fight the way he fought for the whole of his career – he’s 5ft 4in in such a physical sport – and to be able to achieve what he did is remarkable. To be such a gentleman, such a nice lad, such a good friend, to have to face what he’s facing is not fair. So for us, for our group, for that team, for our club, to be able to show Rob the love, the care, the respect he deserves in such difficult times... if we can help him just a little bit throughout this, we’ll do our absolute best to.” Sinfield told the High Performance Podcast, hosted by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, that there were times he feared he would not complete the marathons.

During one training run, he said: “I thought ‘What are you doing?’ I asked a friend, ‘Will you shoot me? I have had enough’.”

But the thought of Burrow, plus nationwide interest in his challenge, pulled him through.

He added: “At different times every day I was teary but the support we got fuelled us. It was incredible.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Besides having my kids, it’s the thing I’m most proud of.”

The High Performance Podcast is available weekly on all podcast providers.