Calls for Kevin Sinfield to be knighted have intensified once again following another extraordinary fundraising effort for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The Leeds Rhinos icon has just completed his gruelling “7 in 7: Together” challenge, running seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days across the UK and Republic of Ireland – each covering at least 28 miles.
The emotional final leg finished outside Headingley Stadium, where Sinfield was greeted by hundreds of supporters. The challenge alone raised over £1 million, pushing his total fundraising figure beyond £11 million.
A mission inspired by Rob Burrow
Sinfield’s efforts are driven by the memory of his close friend and former Leeds team-mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and given just a year to live.
Burrow defied expectations and became a national inspiration before sadly passing away last year, three-and-a-half years after his diagnosis.
Since then, Sinfield has vowed to continue fundraising until a cure is found — and shows no signs of slowing down.
Honours already awarded… but calls grow for more
Sinfield’s contribution has already been recognised:
MBE (2014) – services to rugby league
OBE (2021) – services to rugby league and charity
CBE (2024) – services to MND awareness
However, many believe a knighthood is now long overdue.
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.
“He should already be Sir Kevin”
Andy Bell, chairman of Featherstone Lions — where Burrow played as a youngster — said:
“He should have been knighted by now, really. What he has done is quite exceptional.
People don’t really know about the rule, but if anyone deserves it to be broken, it’s Kevin. The fans already call him Sir Kevin.”
Former MP Lord John Mann added:
“Protocol should be overridden in this case. The public acclamation demands it.”
Huge public support
Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition backing Sinfield for a knighthood.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X:
“Few more deserving candidates for a knighthood than Kevin Sinfield after another astonishing achievement.”
Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle also backed the call:
“What an amazing man. You have earned a knighthood.”
‘If anyone deserves it, he does’
Rob Burrow’s father Geoff added his support, telling the Daily Star:
“If ever anybody deserved a knighthood, it’s Kevin Sinfield.
What he’s done to support MND sufferers is incredible. He’s putting himself through this torture.
He says, ‘Because I can and I want to.’ That says everything. Kevin is keeping Rob’s name alive.”
“We’ve got to keep fighting”
Speaking after completing his latest challenge, Sinfield told supporters:
“To the MND community and everyone we’ve met over the last week and the last five years — you’re an incredible group of people.
We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND community.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Like this:
Like Loading…