BBC Breakfast aired an emotional interview as Kevin Sinfield met the family of Kyle Sieniawski, 14, who died last week
BBC Breakfast interviewed the family of 14-year-old Kyle Sieniawski, who passed away last week following his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis earlier this year.
Former rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been undertaking a gruelling challenge dubbed 7 in 7: Together, completing seven ultramarathons across seven consecutive days.
The ex- Leeds Rhinos star, 45, launched the challenge to generate funds and spotlight motor neurone disease (MND) in memory of his dear friend and former teammate Rob Burrow.
During the third day of Kevin’s 7 in 7: Together challenge in South Wales, he met Kyle’s family – the 14-year-old who tragically passed away last week after receiving his MND diagnosis this year.
Kyle received his MND diagnosis in January aged just 13, after experiencing mobility loss in his arm, making him the youngest person in the UK to be diagnosed with the condition, reports the Express.
During a heartfelt video interview on BBC Breakfast, Kyle’s parents and sibling sought to meet Kevin to champion awareness, describing witnessing their son’s battle as “horrific” and “horrendous”.
Meeting with the family, Kevin declared the day was devoted to Kyle, prompting the youngster’s father to say through tears: “He was a brilliant kid. He was unbelievable”.
Kevin tenderly responded: “It’s raw for so many people and I hope you feel that the community’s there for you because it is, we’re going to make sure of that, Kyle is always remembered.”
Kyle’s mum then said: “We don’t want any other families to come next we’d rather they can cure it. Treat it.”
In a touching moment, Kevin told the family: “Thank you for coming down, we’ll run a bit faster and a little bit harder this leg. Alright?” This was before his third ultramarathon in Swansea, which he dedicated to Kyle.
Kyle’s family, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, confirmed his passing on Friday with a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a “beautiful boy” who made them smile “a million times and more”.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken to announce that our little superhero has very sadly lost his battle with MND,” they shared.
“Kyle fought with everything he had but in the end it all became too much for him and he very sadly passed away yesterday evening.”
The family further added: “We’ll miss you so very much buddy and we love you more than words could ever possibly say.
“We can already picture you up there challenging your two nans and grandad to a game of Connect 4, and that you’re making them smile, just like you made us smile a million times and more.”