Kevin Sinfield has shown lately what a spectacular human being he is. He was always destined to go down as one of the greatest players that Super League has ever seen but his off the field work to help fundraise for former teammate and best mate Rob Burrow have been inspiring.
For those off the field efforts he’s been awarded with the JL Manning Award at the Sports Journalists Association 2022 end of year award ceremony and very few will argue against his victory.
The award is specifically set up for off the field efforts and it’s fair to say that Sinfield has gone above and beyond to earn the award with his incredible efforts since his retirement from playing in 2015.
Sinfield has been fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease research endlessly since Burrow received his diagnosis of the incurable condition in late 2019.
As part of those efforts Sinfield recently completed his ‘7 in 7 Ultra’ challenge which saw him take on seven ultra marathons in seven days, culminating in his arrival at half-time of the Rugby League World Cup final.
👏 Congratulations to former #EnglandRL star Kevin Sinfield on receiving the JL Manning Award at the @SportSJA awards! https://t.co/nFD5jzlzoc
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) December 8, 2022
For these efforts Sinfield has raised over £6 million which has triggered the start of development of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds.
Ultimately though his achievements have exemplified friendship, dedication and also the generosity of the rugby league community who have supported him and donated all the way.
He was presented the award by former football commentator Jim Rosenthal and the Rugby Football League tweeted of his success.
Sinfield is scheduled to take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds marathon next year, where he will push his best mate around the course and raise further funds for MND.
The marathon has already surpassed 10,000 sign-ups having targeted 7,777 in honour of Burrows’ shirt number.
Sinfield’s award comes in the shadow of the government vowing to act in “days not weeks” over the promised £50 million that had been allocated for Motor Neurone Disease.
