Rugby league hero Kevin Sinfield is being hailed as a national treasure and should receive a knighthood, according to a growing chorus of supporters, after he completed an epic seven-day charity challenge. The former England captain raised a staggering £1.3 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities, bringing his total fundraising to over £11.3 million.
A Gruelling Tribute to a Best Friend
Sinfield undertook the monumental '7 in 7' challenge, running seven ultramarathons in as many days, covering nearly 300 kilometres (185 miles). The effort was in memory of his late best friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND. The number seven was chosen in honour of Burrow's iconic shirt number.
The final leg saw Sinfield, accompanied by a group of supporters dressed as Santas, run from York to a rain-soaked Headingley Stadium in Leeds. He was joined for the last stretch by triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington. Upon finishing, Sinfield addressed the MND community directly, stating: “We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND Community.”
Royal Acclaim and Public Demand for Honour
The Prince of Wales led the tributes, describing Sinfield as “truly inspiring” in a personal message. William, who awarded both Sinfield and Burrow CBEs in January 2024, offered his “huge congratulations” and thanked him for “shining a light on the need for research and support.”
This latest feat has ignited widespread calls for the 45-year-old, who received a CBE last year, to be knighted. A petition gathered almost 50,000 signatures during the challenge. Andy Bell, chairman of Featherstone Lions Rugby Club, articulated the public mood: “He should have been knighted by now really... The fans already call him Sir Kevin.” While honours are typically not bestowed within three years of a previous award, many believe Sinfield's exceptional contribution warrants breaking the convention.
A Legacy of Hope and a Centre for Care
The funds raised will be distributed among several charities, including the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Prince William recently returned to Leeds to officially open this specialist centre, joined by Sinfield and Burrow's widow, Lindsey, and their three children.
Sinfield, now a coach with the England rugby union team, has become synonymous with relentless fundraising since his friend's diagnosis. His previous challenges have included running 101 miles in 24 hours and famously carrying Burrow over the finish line at the 2023 Leeds Marathon. With one more annual challenge planned to complete his pledge of seven, the campaign to see Kevin Sinfield become Sir Kevin shows no sign of slowing down.
