Latest news with #KevinSinfield
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Train to be named in honour of rugby league legend Rob Burrow
A train is to be named in honour of rugby league legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Rob died aged 41 in June 2024, having spent the last five years of his life raising awareness of MND with close friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin operator Northern said the naming was requested by a number of its employees who were inspired by Burrow's achievements, with support from Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Williams, managing director of Northern, said: "When we were asked to name a train after Rob, we agreed it was a fantastic opportunity to honour his legacy." During his 16-year playing career with Leeds Rhinos, Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge he was diagnosed with MND in 2019, Burrow and Sinfield raised more than £15m for charity in less than five years. Ms Williams said "So many of us here at Northern were inspired by Rob's indomitable spirit and his commitment to helping others suffering with this cruel disease."That's why we want to pay tribute to this great man, help raise awareness of MND and funding which can be used to help find a cure."The operator said it was now working with the former Rhinos star's family and the MND Association to create artwork for the train's livery.A spokesperson said the train would be unveiled at a station in West Yorkshire during an event later this Coker, the MND Association's director of income generation, said: "Rob was an inspiration both on and off the pitch."A man who showed real courage in sharing his diagnosis and opening up a conversation about motor neurone disease which continues to this day."As one of the region's most famous sons, naming a new train after him is a fantastic way to honour Rob's life and legacy." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Honorary degree for Lindsey Burrow, who supported late husband Rob through MND
Campaigner Lindsey Burrow, who supported her late husband Rob Burrow through his battle with motor neurone disease (MND), has received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University. The honour has been made in tribute to her public and voluntary service as she continues to fundraise and spread awareness of the disease which killed the rugby league star. Throughout Rob Burrow's battle against MND, the couple raised funds, conducted media interviews and filmed a BBC documentary about their lives. This was while Lindsey Burrow continued to work as an NHS physiotherapist and brought up their three young children. Just two weeks after the former Leeds Rhinos star's death in June 2024, she climbed the highest of Yorkshire's Three Peaks for charity. With Rob's best friend, former teammate and fellow Leeds Beckett alumnus Kevin Sinfield, she has raised more than £20 million for charity. She said: 'I am deeply honoured to receive this honorary doctorate in health. 'This recognition means so much, not just to me, but to everyone affected by MND. 'Raising awareness and funds for the MND community is something I'm incredibly passionate about, and I feel privileged to be able to use my voice to continue Rob's legacy. 'As an NHS physiotherapist, I've seen first-hand the power of compassion and care – and I'll continue to champion both in everything I do.' Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University vice chancellor, said: 'Lindsey's story is one of love, bravery and selflessness. 'It is a great pleasure to congratulate Lindsey on behalf of all students, colleagues and governors here at Leeds Beckett University. 'It is vital that we recognise the person behind Rob Burrow's legacy and the woman who not only was instrumental in raising awareness and money but also supporting her children at an extremely difficult time and continuing to support her patients in her role as an NHS physiotherapist. 'Lindsey is the perfect example of a resilient role model, and she will be an amazing advocate for our university.'
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Seb Atkinson urged to seize England centre shirt after impressive debut
England arrived in Argentina with Steve Borthwick looking for young players to make a statement and prove they could cut it at international level. Gloucester's Seb Atkinson has done just that and assistant coach Kevin Sinfield believes the inside centre could make himself very difficult to drop with another big performance this weekend, even when the Lions contingent return . Fresh from a remarkable defensive display on debut in the 35-12 win in La Plata, where he made all 21 tackles he attempted, Atkinson is now set to be the senior partner in England's midfield, where he will line up alongside newcomer Luke Northmore after Henry Slade 's injury. Still only 23, Atkinson hit the headlines earlier this year when he set a new best mark for a rugby player in the bronco drill – a gruelling fitness test used across the world. On the evidence of this tour, he is more than just a fitness freak though, and even though the likes of Fraser Dingwall, potentially Ollie Lawrence and even Owen Farrell could come back into the selection conversation in November, Sinfield feels Atkinson has the potential to establish himself in the longer term. He said: 'He's been outstanding. He's come in and fitted in seamless. A great addition. From the moment he came into camp we were all taken aback at how talented he was. We've seen it first hand at Gloucester, but to see it here and be able to work with Seb and see the quality he brings, his maturity as well for a young guy, I thought he was outstanding last week. 'He can run like not many others can. He knows the game so tactically he's where he should be, but technically he's very good too. 'Without looking too far ahead you think of the autumn series and the players that then become available. These guys hold the shirts for us at the minute. If he goes well again it will be pretty tough to take that 12 shirt from him.' It is not just Sinfield who has been impressed by Atkinson, with England co-captain Jamie George also showering him with praise. For George, it is Atkinson's rugby IQ and ability to pick things up quickly that has been the most revealing, as he likened him to a Springbok great. He explained: 'If I'm completely honest, I'd played against him but I didn't know too much about him. You hear about his bronco score and that sort of rubbish but I'm always sceptical of that because I'd like to see the measurements measured out exactly because I'm a boring old man! 'But he's a very, very impressive athlete, he works very hard. The basics of his game are very good and he's very mature. 'You always know when a good player comes in, how quickly they pick things up. I remember Schalk Burger when he first came into Sarries, he understood the game plan like that (clicks his fingers). 'I sort of see the same from Seb, he comes in and fits in and understands it, yep 'no problem, I understand it'. It's quite hard to do and it shows that he's got a very good rugby brain, he's an intelligent bloke.'
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rob Burrow's former Castleford school opens gym in his name
A fitness centre named in honour of rugby league player Rob Burrow has opened at his former school in West Rob Burrow Fitness Suite was officially opened at Airedale Academy in Castleford earlier, with a new annual rugby league tournament also held in his facility, which is open to pupils, staff and the wider community, was opened by Burrow's wife, Lindsey, and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate and close friend, Jamie Academy head teacher Andy Percival said he hoped it would "inspire generations to come". Following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, Burrow became an inspirational figure for his work raising awareness of the incurable condition, as well as for his fundraising efforts alongside another close friend and former teammate, Kevin died in June 2024 aged 41, though Sinfield has continued to raise millions for MND Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, paid for by the pair's charity work, is set to open at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds later this summer."Rob's legacy is one of courage, excellence, and community," said Mr Percival."We are honoured to celebrate his life and achievements through this new facility and tournament, which we hope will inspire generations to come." 'A fitting tribute' The inaugural Rob Burrow Trust Rugby League Varsity Tournament involved 250 pupils from school across the Castleford Academy Trust, which runs Airdale Academy, Castleford Academy and Crofton Panayiotou, the trust's CEO, said Burrow's legacy "continues to shape the values we hold dear across our Trust—care, aspiration, and success". "The Rob Burrow Fitness Suite and the inaugural Trust Rugby League Varsity Tournament are fitting tributes to a man who has given so much to the world of sport and beyond," he added. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rugby legend Kevin Sinfield to share his story at North East event
Rugby legend and charity fundraiser Kevin Sinfield will share his story at a special North East event. The former Leeds player and successful Super League star is launching The Extra Mile speaking tour. On Thursday, September 25, he will stop at Gateshead's The Fed, recounting tales from his career and his team's charitable efforts, which have raised millions for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. Kevin Sinfield going the extra mile (Image: Alamy) The multi-award-winning player, who earned 26 caps for England and 14 for Great Britain, will particularly highlight his fundraising for ex-teammate Rob Burrow. Sinfield and Burrow formed a strong bond over 15 years of playing rugby together, which extended beyond the field. When Burrow was diagnosed with MND, Sinfield committed to running seven marathons in seven days to raise £77,777 for his friend and the MND Association. This initiative alone raised over £2 million, with the current total from Kevin and his team's efforts exceeding £12 million. The funds have been crucial in aiding research into the cause of the debilitating disease. Sinfield continues to support MND research, balancing his fundraising with his career and personal friendships, which will all feature in his talk. He said: "I can't wait to bring the event to the North East. READ MORE: Band raises £50,000 for children's cancer charities in memory of Darlington teenager County Durham salon refused by council after source of 'noise and disruption' Popular Spennymoor butchers with 40 years' experience named The Northern Echo's best "Every time we have visited for the challenges the people have come out in force to support us, and I am really grateful, hopefully we will see a lot of old friends there." Tickets for the evening at The Fed are priced at £30 for silver tickets and £50 for VIP tickets which include a signed copy of Kevin's book, The Extra Mile, and a printed photograph with the player. They are available at
