Kevin Sinfield, the legendary Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league captain, has once again captured the hearts of the nation—and indeed, much of the sporting world—by completing his latest epic fundraising feat: the 7 in 7: Together challenge. Over the course of seven grueling days, from December 1 to December 7, 2025, Sinfield ran seven ultramarathons, each covering at least 28 miles, traversing a total of nearly 185 miles across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The challenge culminated on Sunday afternoon at Leeds' AMT Headingley Stadium, his home ground throughout a storied rugby league career.
This latest endeavor, inspired by his late friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who bravely battled motor neurone disease (MND) from 2019 until his passing in 2024, has raised over £1.15 million for MND charities. That sum pushes Sinfield’s total fundraising for MND causes to an astonishing £11 million. The outpouring of support and admiration from fans, politicians, and celebrities has been nothing short of remarkable, with many now calling for Sinfield to receive a knighthood in recognition of his tireless work.
Sinfield’s journey began in East Anglia and took him through Cork in Ireland, Swansea, Sheffield, Dundee, and finally, on the seventh day, from York back to Leeds. Along the way, he was joined by a host of sporting luminaries, including England rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick, six-time world champion triathlete Jonny Brownlee, and two-time featherweight boxing world champion Josh Warrington. The final leg was particularly challenging, with Sinfield and his team having to wade through floodwater before arriving at Headingley, where hundreds of supporters awaited his triumphant finish.
Upon completing the challenge, Sinfield addressed the crowd with heartfelt words: “To the MND community and the people we’ve met en route, all through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we’ve met – you’re an absolutely beautiful community. We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND community.” According to the Express, Sinfield’s initial fundraising target of £777,777, a nod to Burrow’s iconic shirt number seven, has been far surpassed—a testament to the power of their friendship and the generosity his efforts have inspired.
Throughout the week, Sinfield’s determination and humility shone through. He even found time to join a Santa Dash in Leeds on Sunday, just hours before completing his final ultramarathon. The challenge was his sixth major endurance event for the MND community, reaffirming his pledge to continue raising funds and awareness until a cure for the disease is found. “I got a really nice message sent through and then clearly I saw the ones that went out public,” Sinfield told SunSport, referencing the wave of support he received, including a personal text from Prince William, the Prince of Wales. “I got a personal text message as well, which was lovely and it means a lot to see people believing in us and getting behind us again. It’s a really good thing – but I’m back in work this afternoon [Monday]. For all of us, that’s the reality of it. I’m back to it today and happy to be.”
Prince William’s public message on X read: “Kevin, huge congratulations on nearing the finish of your incredible 7 in 7 challenge! Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring. Thank you for shining a light on the need for research and support, and for the hope and example you bring. Look after those knees! W.” The royal endorsement added even more momentum to the growing campaign for Sinfield to be knighted—a campaign that has already garnered over 50,000 signatures on a public petition and the vocal backing of media figures, politicians, and sporting icons alike.
Sinfield’s list of official honors is already impressive. He was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to rugby league, an OBE in 2021 for his charitable fundraising, and a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for his work in raising awareness for MND. But, as many have pointed out, there’s one accolade missing: a knighthood. The only thing standing in his way appears to be a longstanding protocol that typically prevents the upgrading of honors within three years of the last award—meaning Sinfield may have to wait until 2027 before becoming eligible for the title of ‘Sir’.
Yet, calls to set aside this rule have grown louder. Andy Bell, chairman of Featherstone Lions Rugby Club in Wakefield—where Burrow played as a youngster—said, “He should have been knighted by now really. What he has done is quite exceptional. I know that there is a rule that says he cannot be honoured within three years of his last honour. People don’t really know about that rule around here and he would be as good a reason as any to break that rule. The fans already call him Sir Kevin.”
Independent peer Lord John Mann echoed the sentiment: “Protocol should be overridden in this case, absolutely – the public acclamation demands it.” House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and media personality Piers Morgan have both taken to social media to champion Sinfield’s cause, with Morgan declaring, “Few more deserving candidates for a knighthood than Kevin Sinfield after another astonishing achievement from this remarkable man who does so much for MND Association.”
Sinfield’s efforts have also earned the unwavering support of Rob Burrow’s family. Geoff Burrow, Rob’s father, told the Daily Star, “If ever anybody deserved a knighthood, it’s Kevin Sinfield. What he’s done to support MND sufferers is just incredible. He’s putting himself through this torture. When we meet up, I ask: ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ He says: ‘Because I can and I want to.’ Well, they sound like two of the best reasons I can think of. Kevin is keeping Rob’s name at the forefront. We’re forever grateful of him.”
Despite the accolades and public praise, Sinfield remains humble and focused on the cause. He continues to emphasize the importance of community and perseverance in the fight against MND. His story is not just one of athletic endurance but of friendship, loyalty, and the power of collective action. The campaign for his knighthood may still face bureaucratic hurdles, but the groundswell of support shows no sign of slowing down. Whether or not the protocol is overturned, Sinfield’s legacy as a champion for the MND community and as an inspirational figure in British sport is already secure.
As the dust settles on another extraordinary week of fundraising, Sinfield has returned to his day job, but the impact of his latest challenge continues to ripple outward. The MND community, the world of rugby, and supporters across the UK are united in admiration—and many are waiting eagerly to see if the next honor bestowed upon him will finally make him “Sir Kevin.”
