The Extra Mile is no ordinary sports memoir. But Kevin Sinfield is no ordinary sportsman. A one-club legend of Leeds Rhinos, who has now crossed codes as a defense coach for Leicester Tigers, Kevin Sinfield is a rugby icon. But in recent years has shown heroism of a very different kind through his selfless and extraordinary fundraising for Motor neurone disease (MND), the terminal illness that has affected his best mate and former teammate Rob Burrow. Kevin Sinfield was a fan favourite and rugby league superstar who switched codes to become a successful union coach for the Leicester Tigers and England. He was and is close friends with Rob Burrow from their time together at Leeds Rhinos to the present day and through that friendship has become recognised for far more than his sporting career. But his career on the pitch is only part of the story. Alongside Sinfield was a small but indomitable scrum-half, Rob Burrow. As Rob's health has tragically declined in recent years due to Motor neurone disease (MND), Sinfield has set himself a series of extraordinary endurance challenges, including running seven ultra marathons in seven days and over 100 miles in a single day, that have raised awareness and millions of pounds for the cause of MND. In the process, Sinfield has won the hearts of a nation and an OBE from the Queen. The Leeds Rhinos legends have worked on a series of fundraisers and charity campaigners since Rob Burrow, 41, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019. Since then, the pair have looked to raise awareness of the condition and raise money for research into treatment. Sinfield was present at an end-of-season dinner where Burrow slurred some of his words in a speech. He thought Burrow was drunk. When the same thing happened at another event soon after, with Burrow unable to say words with an ‘s’ in them, like ‘solicitor’ and ‘necessity’, he knew something was amiss.

He was to become a league legend: 521 games for Leeds Rhinos, a 13-year England career, 14 Great Britain caps, seven Grand Final wins, appearance and scoring records galore, runner-up to Andy Murray in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, even the first RL player to appear on Desert Island Discs, when he chose a self-propelled treadmill as his luxury item.

Kevin Sinfield, who famously carried friend Rob over the line at the Leeds marathon named in his honour, said: “I believe the connections and interactions we have with people, especially friends and family, are the most valuable things in life. I hope children across the world get to experience the friendship that Rob and I share.” If you want inspiring, uplifting and empowering... give this amazing man some of your time' Jake Humphrey Ahead of the book’s launch, the pair spoke to the Daily Mail about their friendship, Sinfield said: “It was a really nice moment for us to share. And it wasn't the first time I've given him a little kiss. Our friendship has gone through difficulties and challenges but we have always stayed loyal and looked after each other… People often think rugby is this macho sport but the best teams really care about each other and I think this showed it.” Two rugby legends and best friends who have raised thousands for charity have released a new book - based on the strength of their friendship.

The 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge will support five charities, including the appeal for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds. Kevin said: “For the MND community, every second counts and we will be making the most of every step on this challenge to raise awareness, funds and support for that community. The Extra Mile is no ordinary sports memoir. But Kevin Sinfield is no ordinary sportsman. A one-club legend of Leeds Rhinos, who has now crossed codes as a defence coach for Leicester Tigers, Kevin Sinfield is a rugby icon. But in recent years has shown heroism of a very different kind through his selfless and extraordinary fundraising for Motor neurone disease (MND), the terminal illness that has affected his best mate and former teammate Rob Burrow. About the Author: Born in Oldham and known affectionately as 'Sir Kev', Kevin Sinfield retired in 2016 as an idol of the Leeds Rhinos' golden years and as a former England captain. Sinfield won seven Super League titles, three World Cup Challenges and two Challenge Cups in 521 matches for his club. From 2003 he captained a side that exemplified the best of his sport. Sinfield became the first rugby league player to be nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, finishing in second place behind Andy Murray in 2015.

Diaries & Calendars

Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow have become synonymous with increasing awareness about Motor Neurone Disease, finishing marathon challenges in aid of the cause.

But the pair have taken on a new challenge - writing a new book 'With You Every Step' celebrating their friendship. The first ultramarathon will start in Leeds on 1 December, then go on to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Brighton and finish in London on 7 December. The pair have seen millions of pounds raised for charity. From each sale of their new book, 50p will be split equally between the MND association and Leeds Hospital Charity.

Multibuys

That something was three body-sapping long distance endurance events which would have broken a lesser competitive spirit. With friends, family, the MND community, and BBC Breakfast following his every step, Kevin set goals, targets, and standards for what he expected from those around him and smashed them all. His aim was to provide a future for Rob's family and make governments and the money men be held accountable for broken promises and deafening silences. The moving affection between rugby legends, fundraising heroes and best friends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield has inspired and uplifted the nation. With You Every Step is a celebration of friendship, in their own words.