Princess Anne praises Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for their ‘extraordinary’ MND fundraising at Rugby League reception

Princess Anne paid tribute to ‘extraordinary’ Rob Burrow at a Rugby League reception honoring the community for their work to raise money for motor neurone disease.

The Princess Royal, 73, who looked sophisticated in a chic red coat, appeared in good spirits as she spoke on stage and chatted to Rob, 41, and his wife Lindsey at the event at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

Anne, the daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth, praised the “most extraordinary example of Rob Burrow himself and Kevin Sinfield in raising awareness of a truly devastating diagnosis.”

In conversation with the BBC News Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s wife, said: ‘It’s a huge honor for Rob to be here today with the rugby community, with people who have supported him since his diagnosis.

She added: ‘A very special day and I know he will be very grateful for all the support.’

Speaking about her conversation with Princess Anne, she added: “She just asked us about the MNDA [Motor Neurone Disease Association] and how they supported us as a family.

‘She was talking to the children about having time off from school. Very down to earth, she was sweet.

“She talked about the fundraising Rob and Kevin had done. That’s why Rob told his story, to help people who had no voice and to increase awareness. People now know what MND is.’

The former Leeds Rhinos player was diagnosed with MND in 2019, two years after retiring from the sport, and was given just two years to live.

Since then he has not only existed, but remained alive defiantly and triumphantly; with the intention of raising money and awareness for the brutal disease that has left him completely paralyzed.

In honor of his friend, Kevin has in turn undertaken a series of epic endurance challenges, raising £13 million for MND charities.

First he ran seven marathons – more than 300 kilometers – in seven days. Then in 2021 he ran 100 miles in just 24 hours.

In 2022, he ran seven ultramarathons in seven days, covering as much as 60 kilometers per day for a week.

Last year Kevin even carried his former teammate across the finish line of the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May; the tenderness of the gesture touched the hearts of a nation.

Rob was pushed around the course in his wheelchair as Kevin completed the 26.2 miles and at the end Kevin took his old friend in his arms, rocked him like a child, gave him a kiss and carried him so they could finish the race could drive out. together.

In January, Rob seemed touched when the Prince of Wales told him that ‘we are all so proud of you’ during a visit to Headingley Stadium in Leeds – to present the rugby legend with his CBE for raising awareness of motor neurone disease.

The royal family also presented Rob with the medal – still in the box – as he praised the former athlete’s legacy and efforts in his campaign.

“Thank you and congratulations – for all the inspiring work you’ve done, Rob,” Prince William said as the sporting icon was surrounded by his beaming wife and their children in a video shared by BBC Breakfast on X.

‘You’ve been great, you really have, and everyone is so proud of you.

“We have all been following your case. You have changed the lives of so many people with MND with what you have done. We are all so proud of you.’

The royal also placed the CBE around his friend Kevin’s neck and praised his ‘brotherly bond’ with Rob.

“The relationship between you two was so wonderful to watch,” William continued. ‘An inspiration for everyone to say: ‘this is how we help each other’.’

As he toured the stadium, Rob told the royal family it was ‘an honour’ to meet him and revealed his daughters had been practicing their bows.

He also revealed that he recently met Zara Tindall – William’s cousin – and her husband for his podcast, in which Mike Tindall revealed that the Prince of Wales is nicknamed One Pint Willy ‘because he’s not the best drinker’.

“You got the nicknames from him,” William laughed. “He apologized to me for that!”

Rob’s daughters also left the Prince of Wales touched as they presented the royal family with bags full of presents for his three children, including a hat, shirt, fleece and a book.

“You are so sweet guys, thank you very much,” he said. ‘Look, it’s a book! How fantastic, I haven’t seen this book yet. Thank you so much.’

William was greeted at the stadium by Rob and Kevin and said: ‘I don’t know how surprising it is that I’m here to see you. Rob, nice to finally see you. How are you feeling today.’

The Prince also asked if Rob’s voice assistant was working, adding: ‘An IT problem? It will be my fault. Everything I touch breaks when I talk about IT.

‘Happy new year. It’s very nice to finally meet you, Rob. I’ve met Kevin before. I think my aunt gave you your MBE a few years ago. I’m looking to see where your house has been.’

With the help of his wife, Rob responded through his voice assistant, “I wanted to thank you for coming today. It’s an honor to meet you. I feel good and I am lucky to have great support from my family and children.’