Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow had a surprise visitor yesterday in the shape of Prince William who met the duo to hand them their much-deserved CBEs.
The Leeds Rhinos legends have been campaigning to raise awareness and money to combat Motor Neurone Disease, a neurological disease that Burrow was diagnosed with back in December 2019.
Since then the duo have been on the front foot in challenging the condition and fighting it with numerous epic challenges undertaken by Sinfield with the aim to raise funds for the underfunded research.
Sinfield had previously been awarded an MBE in 2014 for recognition for his incredible playing career, whilst he earned an OBE in 2021 for the brilliant work he’d done combatting MND. Meanwhile Burrow had himself earned an MBE in 2021 recognising his impact on the MND community.
After another packed year of campaigning which resulted in Sinfield undertaking his ‘Seven in Seven in Seven’ challenge, one that saw him complete seven ultra-marathons in seven days, across seven different UK cities, the pair were honoured once again in the Kings New Year’s Honours List.
Many rugby league fans felt that the awarding of a CBE doesn’t go far enough with calls for Sinfield in particular to be granted a knighthood for the incredible physical feats he undergoes whilst fundraising.
Prior to this year Sinfield had completed numerous other challenges including running 101 miles in seven days, completing seven ultra-marathons in seven days, whilst he also completed the Leeds marathon in 2023 whilst pushing Burrow around the course.
In doing all of these fundraisers the former Rhinos captain has helped raise millions of pounds to combat MND, whilst also ensuring that awareness of the condition is raised and it is firmly in the spotlight.
Much of the pair’s work has been covered by the BBC Breakfast team who once again covered yesterday’s surprise awarding of the CBEs, Prince William turning up at Headingley to honour the duo.
It was an incredibly special moment, particularly given that in 2021 the best friends couldn’t be honoured at the same time when handed their MBEs due to Burrow taking ill.
In footage shared on social media platform X the duo can be seen at Headingley whilst Prince William surprises them and hands them their much-deserved honours.
Burrow was alongside his wife and three children, whilst Sinfield had his wife in attendance for the special moment.
You can see footage below of the special moment.
This is the moment Prince William surprised rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield in Leeds. pic.twitter.com/ChO3Zg6aHw
— BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) January 11, 2024
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