I wanted to read this book because I’m a massive Rugby League fan (Warrington Wolves supporter) since I was ten years old. Kevin Sinfield has always been respected as a player when he was playing even more now because of his fundraising and the marathon’s he has done in the name of his friend, Rob Burrow. For someone who’s always been loyal to one club and is always working to better himself is every other team’s dream. Some people become club heroes and some people become Rugby League’s heroes and the nation’s hero and that’s Kevin. I read this book a few weeks ago, but I hadn’t got time to write the review. Now, it’s bittersweet since Rob has passed away. This book has so much more meaning now. 

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)m the terminal illness that has affected his best mate and former teammate Rob Burrow. Kevin’s epic challenges have included running seven marathons in seven days, and running over 101 miles in 24 hours. In the process, Sinfield has captured the heart of the nation and raised nearly £5 million for MND. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours for his efforts. This book is told with Kevin’s characteristic warmth, dry wit and inspirational leadership. The Extra Mile is the story of an astonish life, of an enduring friendship, of perseverance against the most difficult of challenges, and of a remarkable, humble human being who has defied the odds. The book equips readers with the tools and the mindset to embrace togetherness and to overcome their own challenges.  

I loved this book; I think it was such an easy read. It felt like a long interview that made me laugh, cry, and feel all sort of emotion. I don’t have anything to hate on this book. I think everyone should read this book, even people who don’t know rugby league or Kev personally. It’s so inspirational. I loved reading the 101 miles challenge from Kevin’s point of view, which we had all seen on the news and followed him completely, it put life into view of how far you would go for a mate. I would love to hope that I would go the extra mile for my mate and that someone would go the extra mile for me. 

The way he was talking about the day he dreaded of Rob’s passing and then two weeks after reading this, the dreaded day happens, I was in tears. I hope that one day there is a cure for MND and my thoughts go out to Kev’s family and Rob family during this difficult time.  

If anyone wants to know how much this friendship meant to Kev, please watch the below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilbaGg6To9M