BBC viewers in tears during Sir Kevin Sinfield doc as unheard Rob Burrow voicenote aired

A new BBC documentary has highlighted the brilliant work Sir Kevin Sinfield has done in memory of Rob Burrow.

Sir Kevin Sinfield has paid tribute to his late rugby teammate (Image: Getty)

BBC viewers were left emotional after watching a documentary dedicated to Sir Kevin Sinfield's charity work for the late Rob Burrow. Tears arrived quickly during 'Thank You Kev' when Sinfield shared a never-heard-before voice note from the former rugby legend. On Monday night, a show devoted to Sinfield's remarkable efforts for his late friend premiered, showcasing his work to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) since 2020. Burrow tragically died in 2024, at only 41 years of age. Since that time, Sinfield has emerged as one of Britain's most distinguished charity fundraisers, accumulating over £13million through a succession of demanding ultramarathon challenges. Throughout the documentary, tributes poured in from former England rugby international Lewis Moody, ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Stewart, Burrow's wife Lindsey and the Prince of Wales. Thanks to funds raised through Sinfield's challenges, a dedicated MND centre has been established in Leeds.

The BBC also interviewed Burrow's daughter, Macy. She said: "I just think the centre is incredible. It's exactly what my dad and doctor Jung imagined it to be and it just gives that little bit of extra hope to families. Thanks to Kev and everyone who has fundraised, people can now come as it's a safe space. It's really nice to see and I'm sure my dad would definitely be smiling."

Audiences were left captivated by Sinfield's dedication to his close friend, with many emotionally overwhelmed. Among the most touching moments in the documentary was a voice message from Rob himself.

The message read: "Once in your life you come across a special human being. My friend Kevin Sinfield, you are one of a kind, mate. Everyone needs a friend like Kev."

Sinfield didn't merely offer comfort to his late friend, but to the entire family as well. Burrow's mother Irene expressed the family's deep affection for Sinfield, saying: "We've known Kev for a long, long time. Sir Kev, as we've called him, we've called him that for many, many years.

"When Rob was diagnosed, we thought our world had come to an end. We were all devastated and Kev just putting his arm around him, letting him know he was there for him. That is what Kevin Sinfield is."

The show was dedicated to the work Sinfield does for the late Rob Burrow (Image: Getty)

Rob's wife Lindsey described Sinfield's support throughout Burrow's diagnosis as priceless. She said: "Rob was incredibly proud to have Kevin as his captain, as his teammate. He's just been there since day one. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Rob with his battle with MND."

Viewers flooded social media with positive comments on the show as one said: "Two minutes into #thankyouSirKev and I've gone already," while another added: "Kevin Sinfield totally deserves to be knighted."

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"Deary me. Thank You Sir Kev on BBC1 now. I can't believe there's a better bloke on the entire planet than Kevin Sinfield. He is extraordinary," said a third. "Watching the Kevin Sinfield stuff on BBC. Bloke is an absolute hero ain't he. What a bloke," added another.