Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the king's birthday honours list for his extraordinary fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease (MND). The 45-year-old rugby league icon, who has raised over £11 million for MND-related charities and research, becomes only the second former player from the sport to receive this honour, following Sir Billy Boston last year.
Inspiration Behind the Fundraising
Sinfield began his fundraising journey after his former Leeds Rhinos teammate and close friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Burrow passed away in the summer of 2024. Sinfield's first challenge in 2020 involved running seven marathons in seven days, symbolizing Burrow's shirt number seven. He has since undertaken grueling running challenges annually.
Final Challenge: 7 in 7
Sinfield has announced his seventh and final feat, titled "7 in 7," where he will run seven ultra-marathons in seven days, starting on 27 September. Now known as Sir Kevin, he expressed his gratitude: "I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities. The MND community are the very best of us, and it has been my privilege to support them."
Sinfield's fundraising has contributed to the opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds last year. However, he emphasized that his mission continues: "We have raised so much awareness and funds, but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people living with MND in the UK today."
Recognition and Support
Rob Burrow's wife, Lindsey, congratulated Sinfield, stating: "Kevin did so much for Rob and the whole MND community. As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin."
