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Kevin Sinfield's knighthood: rugby, fundraising and a fight against MND
The former rugby league captain's endurance challenges and advocacy, inspired by his friendship with Rob Burrow, helped earn him a knighthood in the 2026 Birthday Honours - for services to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease community.
· Honoria
When the 2026 Birthday Honours were announced, few names resonated as widely as Kevin Sinfield, the former rugby league captain turned record-breaking fundraiser, who was made a Knight Bachelor.
Endurance, again and again
Sinfield's endurance challenges became a fixture of the British sporting calendar - from seven marathons in seven days in 2020, to 101 miles in 24 hours in 2021, to seven ultramarathons in seven days in his later challenges. Each one raised funds and awareness for both research into motor neurone disease and care for those living with it and their families.
In memory of a friend
The campaigns began in tribute to his friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND. Together they raised more than £11 million and reshaped public understanding of the condition.
The knighthood recognised his services to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease community, honouring both his sporting career and his extraordinary fundraising efforts.