Sir Kevin Sinfield delivered the Super League Grand Final trophy in front of 70,000 fans at Old Trafford, capping another epic motor neurone disease (MND) fundraising challenge. The 46-year-old, knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours for his fundraising and services to rugby league, had just finished running seven ultra marathons in seven days, stopping at all 12 English Super League clubs along the way.
Son Jack plays in first final
His son Jack, 22, featured in his first final for Wakefield Trinity in the clash with Warrington Wolves. Jack admitted he had been missing his dad during the challenge.
“I've spoke to him a little bit, but obviously he's been really tired. I think I’ve said already that when he planned this last challenge and for it to finish at Old Trafford, I don't think even he could have imagined that I would be playing in it. So it’s worked out pretty well,” Jack said.
“I’ve obviously missed him a lot when he’s been away because I’m still living at home, so it’s really weird around the house without him.”
Fundraising milestone
Since 2020, Sir Kevin has helped raise more than £11m for charities in memory of former teammate Rob Burrow, who died from MND in 2024. This week’s seven-day run alone raised more than £1m for the MND Foundation. The number seven honours the shirt number Burrow wore for Leeds Rhinos.
Speaking on the pitch, Sir Kevin said: “It's great to be back, thank you to everyone's played a part this week. Rob would be so proud to everyone who's cared and showed the love.”
Support along the route
Setting off on the final leg from St Helens, he said: “It’s just been the best week, really special for all of us.” He thanked his support team and the public.
“These guys have been incredible, but the support along the route has been overwhelming, it's been better than we ever thought. And to meet all the MND families along the route, right across this stretch, we’ve had people from all the home nations visit and be a part of the extra miles, for them to see the love and care and support that’s out there for them has been wonderful for us,” he said.
He added: “We set out to raise £77,000 that first year and we ended up with £2.8 million, so we could feel some momentum behind us … all the sponsors and charities we represent, the people who’ve been roadside for us have just driven us forward. It’s been a wonderful thing to be part of for seven years and we’ll see so many great people and families today, we’ve just got to keep helping.”
Family memories
Jack grew up watching the Leeds Rhinos legend win the Super League seven times and knows it’s his moment to try and “emulate” his dad.
“My first ever rugby league game was the 2004 Grand Final when I was three weeks old. I have been to every single one of the Grand Finals my dad has played in but the last one really stands out in 2015. I had just turned 11 then so that's the one I really remember the most, knowing it was his last game as well,” he said.
During the challenge, Sir Kevin and his team also received a visit from the Prince and Princess of Wales at their stop at Wakefield Trinity, West Yorkshire, on Tuesday.
