Sir Kevin Sinfield has received a knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, recognising his extraordinary fundraising efforts and advocacy work for the motor neurone disease community. The former England rugby league captain was among 60 recipients at an investiture ceremony, where he was honoured for his services to the MND community as well as his contributions to both league and union rugby.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sinfield reflected on what his late friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow would have made of the honour. Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four years, inspired much of Sinfield's charitable work over the past six years.
I think he'd be laughing. I think he'd be enormously proud of the support behind a campaign that he started, and we continue in his name.
Sinfield has raised more than £11 million for charity through his fundraising campaigns. His most recent achievement was completing the 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge, during which he ran seven ultra-marathons in seven consecutive days. According to a national broadcaster's report, the Grand Finale ran from 27 September to 3 October and covered all 12 English Super League grounds, with Sinfield aiming to raise £777,777 for six MND charities.
The Prince of Wales has been a consistent supporter of Sinfield's campaign. He presented both Sinfield and Burrow with CBEs at Headingley Stadium in 2024, and last week surprised Sinfield during the third day of his final challenge. Sinfield praised the royal family's involvement, saying:
I think [Prince William] champions pulling communities together, and I have seen how the MND community have come together on the back of Rob's diagnosis and several other high-profile sportspeople over the last six or seven years.
The prince's support extends beyond public appearances. In 2025, Prince William officially opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, fulfilling a promise he had made to Burrow. Sinfield emphasised the credibility this royal backing brings to the campaign, noting that both the Prince and Princess of Wales have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the MND community.
What does the knighthood mean to Sinfield?
Sinfield said he was "massively humbled by the whole experience" and stressed that he views the honour as recognition for the entire MND community rather than a personal achievement.
I felt very fortunate to have connected with a lot of families who are going through some real challenging times, yet still continue to be at the roadside or stopping me in the street for a chat to share their story. So, I feel incredibly fortunate to be here today accepting this on their behalf.
At 46 years old, Sinfield acknowledged that he has not yet adjusted to his new title.
I don't think I ever will. It's really nice, but every time I hear that, I go straight back to why we started, and it was a run for a mate, with some mates, and that will never change, what we've been doing this last six or seven years.
The reaction from the MND community to his knighthood has been overwhelmingly positive, with families and supporters expressing their pride in his recognition. Sinfield has described this response as "wonderful" and a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved in the campaign.
What are Sinfield's future plans?
Despite completing what he has described as the final challenge in its current format—with his volunteer team needing a break—Sinfield is not stepping away from fundraising. According to reports on his future plans, he intends to organise a seven-marathon-in-seven-days challenge across Australia and New Zealand in 2027, though specific dates and venues have not yet been confirmed.
Sinfield's vision for the international challenge is to strengthen collaboration between nations working to find a cure for MND and improve support for affected families.
I would now like to plan a run in Australia and New Zealand next year, and ensure that collaboration is taking place between nations that are working incredibly hard to try and find a cure and to look after families better.
Other honours at the investiture
Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee from Dewsbury was also recognised at the Windsor Castle ceremony, receiving an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to triathlon and charity. The double Olympic gold medal winner announced his retirement from competitive sport in late 2024.
Brownlee has been instrumental in promoting sport and healthy lifestyles through the Brownlee Foundation. When he previously received recognition for his charitable work, he reflected on his impact:
I am really proud of the role, hopefully, I've had in inspiring thousands of children to get into sport and live healthier lifestyles.
Key facts
- Sinfield has raised over £11 million for MND charities through his fundraising campaigns
- The 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge, which inspired his knighthood, covered all 12 English Super League grounds between 27 September and 3 October
- Prince William and Princess Catherine have been active supporters of Sinfield's MND campaign, including opening the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds in 2025
- Sinfield plans to extend his fundraising efforts internationally with a seven-marathon challenge across Australia and New Zealand in 2027
- Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate participated in the first stage of the Grand Finale challenge, according to sports coverage of the event
