It has been revealed that Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield OBE will publish his inspirational autobiography on May 25th 2023.
Co-written by five-time Sports Writer of the Year Paul Hayward, The Extra Mile is the memoir of one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, who in recent years has shown heroism of a very different kind through his selfless and extraordinary fundraising for Motor neurone disease (MND), the terminal illness that has affected his friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow.
Sinfield’s epic challenges have included running 7 marathons in 7 days, and running over 101 miles in 24 hours. In the process, Sinfield has captured the hearts of the nation and raised nearly £5 million for MND. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours for his efforts.
Sinfield is set to take on his hardest challenge yet this autumn, which will be covered extensively by the BBC. Next May, Sinfield will be running the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds marathon which he has helped to found.
The book will be published in print, digital and audiobook, with Kevin Sinfield to read the audiobook.
Sinfield said: “I’m proud of this book and I hope readers enjoy it too. It spans my life and career – rugby to now. Through my challenges, I’ve wanted the MND community, whose stories and pain are horrific, to smile in my discomfort. I’ve wanted to give them a glow inside that I’ve been willing to go through it. I hope this book can continue to share awareness about this terrible disease. And more broadly, I hope this book can help readers to conquer the challenges in their own lives. We can all go the extra mile.’
Century Publishing Director Ben Brusey bought world rights from Ruth Cairns at Featherstone Cairns. Brusey said: “I couldn’t be prouder to publish such an outstanding human being as Kevin Sinfield. The Extra Mile is no ordinary sports memoir. But Kevin Sinfield is no ordinary sportsman.
“His memoir is a beacon of hope and a story of superhuman courage. It will move readers to tears whilst making them marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. Publication next May will be a national publishing event and The Extra Mile is destined to become a future classic.”
Cairns said: “The word legend is used too freely in sport but in Kevin Sinfield’s case it’s warranted – there’s a depth and integrity that has shone throughout his life and career.
“The Extra Mile transcends sports publishing and has at its heart a profoundly moving study in friendship. It’s a privilege to be working with Ben and his brilliant team at Century on this very special book.”
