Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nThe Leeds Rhinos icon has just completed his gruelling\u00a0\u201c7 in 7: Together\u201d\u00a0challenge, running\u00a0seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days\u00a0across the UK and Republic of Ireland \u2013 each covering at least 28 miles.<\/p>\n
The emotional final leg finished outside\u00a0Headingley Stadium, where Sinfield was greeted by hundreds of supporters. The challenge alone raised\u00a0over \u00a31 million, pushing his total fundraising figure beyond\u00a0\u00a311 million.<\/p>\n
A mission inspired by Rob Burrow<\/p>\n
Sinfield\u2019s efforts are driven by the memory of his close friend and former Leeds team-mate\u00a0Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and given just a year to live.<\/p>\n
Burrow defied expectations and became a national inspiration before sadly passing away last year, three-and-a-half years after his diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Since then, Sinfield has vowed to continue fundraising until a cure is found \u2014 and shows no signs of slowing down.<\/p>\n
Honours already awarded\u2026 but calls grow for more<\/p>\n
Sinfield\u2019s contribution has already been recognised:<\/p>\n
MBE (2014)\u00a0\u2013 services to rugby league<\/p>\n
OBE (2021)\u00a0\u2013 services to rugby league and charity<\/p>\n
CBE (2024)\u00a0\u2013 services to MND awareness<\/p>\n
However, many believe a\u00a0knighthood\u00a0is now long overdue.<\/p>\n
There is reportedly a protocol preventing honours from being upgraded within three years, meaning Sinfield may have to wait until 2026. But pressure is mounting for that rule to be waived.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe should already be Sir Kevin\u201d<\/p>\n
Andy Bell, chairman of Featherstone Lions \u2014 where Burrow played as a youngster \u2014 said:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe should have been knighted by now, really. What he has done is quite exceptional.<\/p>\n
People don\u2019t really know about the rule, but if anyone deserves it to be broken, it\u2019s Kevin. The fans already call him Sir Kevin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former MP Lord John Mann added:<\/p>\n
\u201cProtocol should be overridden in this case. The public acclamation demands it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huge public support<\/p>\n
Nearly\u00a050,000 people\u00a0have signed a petition backing Sinfield for a knighthood.<\/p>\n
Broadcaster\u00a0Piers Morgan\u00a0wrote on X:<\/p>\n
\u201cFew more deserving candidates for a knighthood than Kevin Sinfield after another astonishing achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaker of the House of Commons\u00a0Lindsay Hoyle\u00a0also backed the call:<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat an amazing man. You have earned a knighthood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018If anyone deserves it, he does\u2019<\/p>\n
Rob Burrow\u2019s father Geoff added his support, telling the\u00a0Daily Star:<\/p>\n
\u201cIf ever anybody deserved a knighthood, it\u2019s Kevin Sinfield.<\/p>\n
What he\u2019s done to support MND sufferers is incredible. He\u2019s putting himself through this torture.<\/p>\n
He says, \u2018Because I can and I want to.\u2019 That says everything. Kevin is keeping Rob\u2019s name alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to keep fighting\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking after completing his latest challenge, Sinfield told supporters:<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the MND community and everyone we\u2019ve met over the last week and the last five years \u2014 you\u2019re an incredible group of people.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve got to keep fighting for the MND community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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