Kevin Sinfield has been knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle in recognition of his extraordinary fundraising work for the motor neurone disease community. The rugby league icon, 46, received the honour on Wednesday, having generated over £13m during the past six years.
Sinfield began his fundraising journey in 2020 after his late friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND. He initiated the 7 in 7 challenge, completing seven ultra-marathons in seven days, and finished his seventh such challenge last week.
Lifetime commitment to MND fundraising
Sinfield has pledged to dedicate the remainder of his life to raising funds in honour of Burrow. "I made a commitment for life. I'm in this for life. There'll come a point where I can't run," he said of his future plans.
His most recent challenge marked the conclusion of the 7 in 7 format, with Sinfield acknowledging the dedication of the 16-strong volunteer team who supported him throughout the campaign. He has already proposed another significant fundraising initiative, potentially bringing the challenge to Australia and New Zealand and uniting rugby league, rugby union and Australian Rules.
"MND is big over there, too," he said. "I think if we can go after this globally and pull countries together, we have a chance of curing it sooner."
Burrow family tribute
Lindsey Burrow revealed her late husband "would have been incredibly proud" of his close friend. She acknowledged it was "bittersweet" that Rob was not present to see Sinfield complete his latest challenge and receive the acclaim that followed.
"It's bittersweet that Rob's not here today to see Kevin finish his final challenge but Rob will be with us in spirit," Lindsey told BBC Radio 4. "It's just testimony to Kevin that he's so humbled to do this not just for Rob but for the whole MND community. It's just incredible."
She continued: "I am in complete awe of the efforts of Kevin and his team over the last seven days, and not just over the last seven days but over the last seven years."
Legacy of the 7 in 7 challenge
Sinfield's journey began in 2020, when he originally aimed to raise £77,777 for Burrow and the MND Association. The number seven held particular meaning for the duo, representing Burrow's shirt number at Leeds Rhinos and the number of major trophies they secured together.
He also completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon alongside his friend in 2023, helping push Burrow around the course in a specially adapted wheelchair before carrying him across the finish line. Prince William and the Princess of Wales have closely monitored Sinfield's endeavours, with the Princess telling him: "What you're doing is so inspiring - the unity that you're building."
Sinfield's commitment to carrying on the battle guarantees the legacy of his bond with Burrow will endure.
