• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• News
• UK News
• New Year

'He should be Sir Kevin': Calls to knight Kevin Sinfield as he raises another 1.3m

The Prince of Wales led the plaudits after offering his "huge congratulations" to Kevin Sinfield who has raised more than 11.3m for motor neurone disease treatment and research in memory of his best friend, the late Rob Burrow

Rugby super hero Kevin Sinfield should be knighted after completing his latest charity challenge, his army of supporters said today. Calls were growing for the modest star to be recognised in the New Year honours for his latest extraordinary efforts. The Prince of Wales led the plaudits after offering his "huge congratulations" to the star. He raised another 1.3m for motor neurone disease treatment and research in memory of the late Rob Burrow. It took the total to more than 11.3m after his previous five challenges raised 10m. Kevin, 45, received the CBE in the honours last year, and another gong is not usually bestowed within three years.

[Kevin Sinfield speaks to fans after completing the fundraiser]

View 4 Images

Kevin Sinfield after completing his challenge(Image: PA)

Andy Bell, 49, chairman of Featherstone Lions Rugby club in Wakefield, W. Yorkshire, where Sinfield's ex Leeds team mate Rob played as a junior, 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."

[Kevin Sinfield sporting bin bags to cover his footwear as he runs through flood water in Cattal on day seven of the 7 in 7]

View 4 Images

Kevin Sinfield on the final leg, with bags to cover his feet through the water(Image: PA)

Almost 50,000 people had signed a petition calling on Sinfield to be knighted as he set off on his final leg from York to Leeds yesterday, completing seven ultramarathons in seven days with a mini-army of Santas. Speaking to the gathered crowd at Headingley Stadium, Sinfield vowed to 'keep on fighting' for the MND community.

He told the hundreds of fans who braved heavy rain to see him: To the MND Community and the people we've met on route, all through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we've met. you're an absolutely beautiful community.

[Kevin Sinfield waves to crowds at the end of his latest run]

View 4 Images

A happy man: Kevin Sinfield at the end of his gruelling challenge(Image: PA)

Weve got to keep fighting for the MND Community. His latest challenge saw him run nearly 300 km (185 miles).

He was joined by triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington for the final few kilometres. Leeds Rhino fans Tim and Shirley Nicholson were at the finishing line. She said: I dont think words can say how much Kev has done.

The new research centre creates a special place and I admired Rob before as a rugby player and I admired him once he got MND. Tim added: I dont know how he does it. I would struggle to walk that, never mind run.

[Kevin used bags to cover his feet to get through flooding on the last leg of his run]

View 4 Images

Kevin Sinfield had to brave water on last day(Image: PA)

Prince William described him as "truly inspiring" as he completed the 7 in 7 challenge, the name derived from Burrow's old shirt number. The target had been 777,777. But the 1.3m will go towards Motor Neurone Disease Association, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland, Leeds Hospitals Charity and The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. The final Santa Dash event began at Leeds Beckett University before they arrived at the finish line. It was the first time Sinfield and his team had visited Leeds since Burrow's death in June 2024.

As he set off on his latest epic effort, he said: "We have committed to doing seven annual challenges, as most people know the number seven is special to us because it is the number Rob wore. "There are so many special memories from the previous challenges when people are so grateful that we have come to their village, town or city. With this penultimate challenge we wanted to continue that theme.

"The logistics around getting to each region in the timescale is part of our challenge but it is worth it when we receive such a warm welcome." Prince William wrote: "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."

William made both Sinfield and Burrow Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) at the Rhinos' Headingley Stadium in January 2024. Burrow died five months later, at the age of 41, following a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND during which he devoted himself to raising awareness and money for treatment and research.

The prince promised to return to open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, and did so last month, joining Sinfield and Burrow's three children, Macy, 13, Maya, 10, and Jackson, six, and his widow Lindsey, 42. Sinfield, currently a coach with the England rugby union team, famously carried Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon in 2023.

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.