Sir Kevin Sinfield has received his knighthood after making a lifelong promise to continue raising money in memory of his late friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow.
The rugby league legend was knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday in recognition of his extraordinary fundraising efforts for the motor neurone disease community.
Sinfield, 46, has raised more than £13m over the past six years after launching his 7 in 7 challenge following Burrow's MND diagnosis.
Lifelong commitment to MND community
He completed his seventh ultramarathon challenge last week, running seven ultra-marathons in seven days, and has now promised that his work for the MND community will continue for the rest of his life.
"It has to look different and it has to feel different," Sinfield said of his future fundraising plans.
"I made a commitment for life. I'm in this for life. There'll come a point where I can't run."
His latest challenge marked the end of the 7 in 7 format, with Sinfield acknowledging the huge commitment made by the 16-strong volunteer team which has supported him throughout the campaign.
Global plans and Burrow family tribute
But he has already outlined plans for another major fundraising effort, potentially taking the challenge to Australia and New Zealand and bringing rugby league, rugby union and Australian Rules together.
"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."
Lindsey Burrow said her late husband "would have been incredibly proud" of his close friend.
She also admitted it was "bittersweet" that Rob was not there to witness Sinfield complete his latest challenge and receive the recognition that has 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 added: "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."
Journey from 2020 to Windsor Castle
Sinfield's extraordinary journey began in 2020, when he initially set out to raise £77,777 for Burrow and the MND Association.
The number seven carried a special significance for the pair, reflecting Burrow's shirt number at Leeds Rhinos and the number of major trophies they won together.
Since then, Sinfield has repeatedly pushed himself through gruelling endurance challenges in an effort to raise awareness and funds for those living with MND.
He also ran the first 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 followed Sinfield's efforts closely, with the couple visiting him during his latest challenge.
The Princess of Wales told him: "What you're doing is so inspiring - the unity that you're building."
Sinfield's promise to continue the fight ensures the legacy of his friendship with Burrow will live on.
