Rugby legend Kevin Sinfield is set to receive a knighthood in the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours list for his remarkable fundraising efforts in memory of his late friend and teammate, Rob Burrow. The former Leeds and England rugby league player, aged 45, has raised over £11 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities since Rob’s diagnosis in 2019.
There has been a growing call for Kevin to be knighted, with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle describing him as a “rugby league legend who should be Sir Kevin Sinfield.” Kevin and Rob’s heartwarming friendship touched many, with Kevin famously carrying Rob across the finish line at the Leeds Marathon in 2023 after pushing him in a specially adapted wheelchair.
Both Kevin and Rob were honored with CBEs in the 2023 New Year Honours List, where Prince William surprised them with their awards at Headingley Stadium, the home of Leeds Rhinos. Tragically, Rob passed away five months later at the age of 41 after battling MND for over four years.
MND is a debilitating neurological condition with no known cure, affecting the nerves that control muscle movement. Although there is no direct correlation between MND and head injuries, several rugby players, including Scotland’s Doddie Weir and England’s Lewis Moody, have been diagnosed with the disease.
Kevin, now an England rugby union coach, continues to raise funds in memory of Rob through a series of endurance challenges. The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease was inaugurated last year in Leeds, providing specialized care for MND patients and conducting crucial research.
In his latest endeavor, Kevin announced “7 in 7: The Grand Finale,” a challenge where he will run an ultramarathon daily for seven days, covering the distance between Hull and Manchester and visiting all 12 English Super League grounds. Prince William commended Kevin’s children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, telling them how proud they should be of their father’s bravery and legacy.
The King’s Birthday Honours List, which will include Kevin’s knighthood, is scheduled for release this weekend. The Government refrains from commenting on honours until the official announcement.