Kevin Sinfield, the former rugby league great and current England rugby union coach, is once again at the heart of a remarkable sporting and charitable feat. As of December 6, 2025, Sinfield is on the verge of completing his latest ultramarathon challenge—seven ultramarathons in seven days—raising an extraordinary sum for motor neurone disease (MND) research and support. This challenge, known as the "7 in 7: Together" event, has captured the attention and admiration of the sports world, the royal family, and the wider public alike.
Sinfield’s journey began on Monday, December 1, 2025, and has seen him and his teammates, Chris Stephenson and David Spencer, cover over 250 kilometres, traversing cities and regions across the UK. The challenge is deeply personal and inspired by Sinfield’s late friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and sadly passed away in June 2024 after a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with the disease.
Throughout the week, Sinfield’s efforts have been met with widespread support. Among the most heartfelt messages came from Prince William, the Prince of Wales, who took to social media to publicly congratulate Sinfield. The prince’s message, posted on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), 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."
Prince William’s tribute was more than a passing gesture; it was a testament to the bond he shares with both Sinfield and the late Burrow. The prince had previously promised Burrow he would open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds—a promise he fulfilled in November 2025, joining Sinfield, Burrow’s widow Lindsey, and his three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, at the opening. During the visit, William shared emotional words with the Burrow family, stating, "I think Rob's legacy will live on. And you guys should be so proud of your father because he really was an incredibly brave and very special man. And this is a world-leading centre that’s going to save a lot of lives. For that, you shall all be very proud. And everyone is very grateful for letting us in on your family life and understanding what you’ve been managing together."
Sinfield’s 7 in 7 challenge is the sixth annual event he has undertaken in support of the MND community, continuing the fundraising and awareness efforts that began shortly after Burrow’s diagnosis. The number seven is significant, serving as a tribute to Burrow’s old shirt number with the Leeds Rhinos. The challenge has seen Sinfield and his team run through cities such as Carnoustie, Dundee, and West Cumbria, with the final leg set for Sunday, December 7, culminating at the Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds. The finish will coincide with the Leeds Santa Dash, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere as Sinfield completes his journey.
The impact of Sinfield’s efforts has been nothing short of staggering. Over the course of his fundraising career, he has helped raise more than £10 million for MND research and support. For this year’s challenge alone, Sinfield set an ambitious target of £777,777—again, a nod to Burrow’s number. By Saturday afternoon, December 6, the MND Association announced that Sinfield and his team had already surpassed the £1 million mark for this year’s campaign. The charity expressed its gratitude, posting, “Absolutely unreal. Kev, Chris, Dave and the team have just hit £1million raised for MND charities during their 7IN7: Together fundraising challenge. To everyone who has supported them, cheered them on, donated, shared social media posts and helped raise this amazing amount of money and awareness for the fight against motor neurone disease: thank you.”
Sinfield’s work has not gone unnoticed by the sporting and national community. In January 2024, Prince William presented both Sinfield and Burrow with Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) at Headingley Stadium. The recognition was a fitting tribute to their relentless advocacy and fundraising for MND, as well as their inspirational friendship. Sinfield’s bond with Burrow became iconic, especially after he famously carried Burrow over the finish line at the 2023 Leeds Marathon, a moment that resonated deeply with sports fans and the wider public.
Reflecting on the support from Prince William, Sinfield recently remarked, “I think he's a man of his word and he's been a massive supporter of the work we've done, the running we've done, the campaigning we've done.” He added, “Rob would have been so proud of it (the centre). He would've loved to have seen it today.” Sinfield’s admiration for the prince’s integrity and commitment underscores the mutual respect between the royal family and those leading the fight against MND.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, now open in Leeds, stands as the UK’s first purpose-built facility dedicated entirely to MND care, research, education, and holistic support. It is a living legacy to Burrow’s courage and Sinfield’s unwavering determination. Kensington Palace highlighted the significance of the centre, sharing, “It was a pleasure to meet professionals as well as Rob’s family, highlighting the incredible dedication and generosity that brought this vision to life.”
As Sinfield prepares to complete the final leg of his 7 in 7 challenge, anticipation and excitement are palpable. The run from North Yorkshire to Leeds, ending at the iconic Headingley Stadium, promises to be an emotional celebration of endurance, friendship, and the power of sport to inspire change. Sinfield will be joined by fellow runners and supporters, including participants from the Leeds Santa Dash, ensuring a jubilant and communal finish to a grueling week.
While the final steps of Sinfield’s journey are still to be taken, his legacy is already secure. The funds raised, the awareness generated, and the lives touched by his efforts speak volumes. As Prince William so aptly put it, Sinfield’s commitment to Rob Burrow and everyone affected by MND is “truly inspiring.” The hope and example he brings continue to shine a light on the urgent need for research and support in the fight against motor neurone disease.
With the finish line in sight, all eyes turn to Leeds, where Sinfield’s extraordinary week will reach its conclusion. The outpouring of support—from royalty to rugby fans, from MND charities to everyday donors—underscores the profound impact of one man’s determination to make a difference. And as Sinfield takes those final strides, the message is clear: this is more than a race; it’s a testament to resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of sport.
