Kevin played for Leeds Rhinos with Rob for 16 years and had worked with his teammate since 2019 to increase awareness of MND, raising more than £15million for charity in the process.
The former teammate of Rob Burrow got emotional today as he paid tribute to the 'superhuman' MND campaigner after his death aged 41.
Today, Kevin attended a ground-breaking ceremony for a £6million MND centre at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds in his best friend's honour. Holding back the tears, he said: 'He was so brave, so tough. I wish he could have seen the outpouring of love. 'To see what he has done over the last four-and-a-half years. I was amazed at some of the things he has done on the rugby field.'The respect and love and admiration I've got for him couldn't be any higher.
Rob's final wish had been for construction to begin on a new £6million specialist centre for people dealing the incurable illness days in Leeds before his death. The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease will help people living in and around Leeds who are battling the condition. Pictured left to right: Rob's sister Claire Burnett, father Geoff, mother Irene and sister Joanne Hartshorne
Read More Inside Rob Burrow's five-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease from first symptoms to selfless family wish as rugby star dies aged 41 'He was in hospital. He smiled, we got sad and he gave us the look, you know"pack it in smile" and what have you and we did our best.' His devoted wife Lindsey said that the father-of-three wished for ground to be broken today so work can officially begin on the new £6.8million purpose-built care centre which he spearheaded fundraising efforts for.
Rob Burrow's family were emotional as they supported one another on Monday, just a day after the rugby league legend's death READ MORE Rob Burrow's final TV appearance: Moment rugby star is awarded gold Blue Peter badge alongside best friend Kevin Sinfield for their 'inspirational' MND work and 'showing the true meaning of friendship' before his death aged 41 'My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, to your lovely parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.
The rugby league coach said: 'I'd gone to pick something up, he'd found out about 45 minutes before. When I saw his face, I could tell. He said: 'Every moment was spent doing the right thing, shining a light on the people that needed it the most, and he transcended not just the sport but the nation, and he's raised millions, he created so much awareness for motor neurone disease.
Once complete, it will also house a therapy space, procedure room and an area for patients to 'bank' their own voices if they use a digital aid to support communication. The former rugby league star inspired millions of people with his battle against MND and fundraising efforts since being diagnosed with the disease.
He added: 'It's no reflection of the NHS staff who looked after Rob – they did a great job – but the facilities just aren't up to scratch. When you're given that diagnosis in the facilities that are there now, it makes the whole situation so much worse. In a statement it said: 'In doing so much, he inspired support from so many. On the weekend of the Challenge Cup Final in October 2020, fans and supporters donated an incredible £70,000 to the MND Association.
The official X account of Prince William and Princess Kate posted a touching message and expressed their condolences to the brave legend's family Heart-wrenching tributes last night poured in for the 'hero' who 'never allowed others to define what he could achieve'. 'Rob raised awareness and funds, despite his condition, for other people to benefit from. The impact he leaves will be long lasting. RIP Rob what a hero.'
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