Princess Anne paid tribute to “extraordinary” Rob Burrow during a Rugby League reception honoring the community for their work raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease.
The Princess Royal, 73, who looked sophisticated in a stylish red coat, appeared in high spirits as she spoke on stage and chatted with Rob, 41, and his wife Lindsey at the event at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Anne, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth, praised Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield’s own “most extraordinary example of raising awareness of a truly devastating diagnosis.”
Talking to the BBC News Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s wife, said: “It is a great honor for Rob to be here today with the rugby community and to have people who have supported him since his diagnosis.”
She added: “It’s a really special day and I know he will be very grateful for everyone’s support.”
Speaking about his conversation with Princess Anne, he added: “She just asked us about the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) and how they support us as a family.
‘I was talking to the kids about having free time at school. Very sensible, she was lovely.
‘She talked about the fundraising Rob and Kevin had done. That’s why Rob told his story, to help people who didn’t have a voice and raise 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, it has not only existed but has remained defiantly and triumphantly alive; with the intention of raising money and awareness about the merciless 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 (over 180 miles) in seven days. Then in 2021, he ran 101 miles in just 24 hours.
In 2022, he ran seven ultramarathons in seven days, covering an astonishing 60 kilometers a day for a week.
Princess Anne attends a Rugby League reception to thank the community for their work raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease on Wednesday.
The Princess Royal, 73, praised former rugby league players Rob Burrow, 41, and Kevin Sinfield, 43, for their fundraising efforts, calling them “extraordinary” during a stadium speech Leeds Headingley.
The royal, who looked sophisticated in an elegant red coat that she paired with a gold brooch, appeared in high spirits.
Anne, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth, said: “The most extraordinary example of Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield themselves raising awareness of a truly devastating diagnosis.”
Last year, Kevin even carried his former teammate to the finish line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May; The tenderness of the gesture touched the heart of a nation.
Rob was pushed around the course in his wheelchair as Kevin ran the 26.2 miles, and at the end, Kevin scooped up his old friend, cradling him like a child, gave him a kiss, and carried him so they could finish. the race. together.
In January, Rob appeared moved when the Prince of Wales told him “we are all very proud of you” as he visited Headingley Stadium in Leeds, to present the rugby legend with his CBE to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.
The royal also presented Rob with the medal, still in its box, while praising 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 children in a video shared by BBC Breakfast on X.
“You’ve been amazing, you really have and everyone is so proud of you.”
During her speech, the Princess Royal praised the former rugby league players for their fundraising efforts, calling them “extraordinary”.
Princess Anne chats to Rob during the Rugby League reception at Headingley Stadium.
The royal wowed in a bright red coat which she paired with black gloves and an elegant gold brooch.
To complete her ensemble, the royal pulled her hair into a sleek bun and added gold earrings.
Last year, Kevin even carried his former teammate to the finish line of the inaugural 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, while Kevin ran the 26.2 miles and at the end
‘We have all been following your case. You have changed the lives of many people with MND with what you have done. We are all very proud of you.
The royal also placed the CBE around his friend Kevin’s neck and praised his “brotherly bond” with Rob.
“It’s been amazing to see the relationship between the two of you,” William continued. “An inspiration for everyone to say ‘this is how we help each other.'”
As he toured the stadium, Rob told the royal it was “an honour” to meet him and revealed his daughters had been practicing their bows.
He also said he recently met Zara Tindall, William’s cousin, and her husband, for his podcast, where Mike Tindall revealed that the Prince of Wales is nicknamed One Pint Willy “because he’s not the best drinker.”
“You took the nicknames out of him,” William laughed. ‘He apologized to Me for that!’
Rob appeared moved when the Prince of Wales told him “we are all very proud of you” as he visited Headingley Stadium in Leeds to present the rugby legend with his CBE to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
Rob and his friend Kevin showing off their CBEs at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, where Prince William visited.
Rob and his family pictured with Prince William, who presented the sporting legend with a CBE
Rob’s daughters also touched the Prince of Wales when they presented the royal with gift bags for his three children, including a hat, shirt, fleece and a book.
“You guys are so sweet, thank you so much,” she said. Look, it’s a book! How fantastic, I haven’t seen this book yet. Thank you so much.’
William was greeted by Rob and Kevin inside the stadium and told them: “I don’t know how surprised I am to be here to see you.” Rob, it’s nice to finally see you. How do you feel today.’
The Prince also asked if Rob’s speech assistant was working, adding: “An IT problem? It’ll be my fault. Everything I touch breaks every time I talk about IT.
‘Happy new year. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Rob. I met Kevin before. I think my aunt gave you your MBE a few years ago. I’m seeing where your house has been.
With the help of his wife, Rob responded through his speech assistant: ‘I want to thank you for coming today. It’s an honor to meet you. “I feel good and I am lucky to have the wonderful support of my family and my children.”