12 June 2026 News
Our patron Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours after raising more than £11 million to support people affected by MND.
Sir Kevin, who appeared on BBC Breakfast earlier this week to announce his seventh and final challenge - 7 in 7: The Grand Finale - has been honoured in recognition of his work as an advocate for the MND community and his fundraising achievements.
Rugby league legend Sir Kevin, who spent his whole career as a player for Leeds Rhinos before forging a successful career in coaching, became a patron for the MND Association in 2021 alongside his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow CBE, who was diagnosed with MND in December 2019.
Inspired by Rob and their friendship, Sir Kevin took part in his first 7 in 7 Challenge in 2020, an incredible feat he has repeated annually ever since. Both Rob and Sir Kevin were awarded CBEs in 2024 in recognition of their achievements, just months before Rob died from MND in June 2024.
Sir Kevin’s final challenge, which starts in September, will see him run an ultra-marathon every day for seven days, visiting all 12 super league clubs. The challenge will end at the Betfred Super League Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
As well as bringing the whole MND community together, and inspiring countless others to get involved in the fight against MND, the money raised for the Association has helped to fund research and support people with MND and their families.
In a statement Sir Kevin said: “My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man, but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration.
“The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs. As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease and he is never far from my thoughts.
“We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day.
“I am pleased this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge.”
MND Association Chief Executive Tanya Curry said: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honour and we join with the whole MND community in congratulating Sir Kevin on his knighthood.
“It’s almost impossible to put into words just how much Kevin’s support means to us and to people living with this devastating disease. His drive, his determination, his empathy and kindness for people affected by MND always shine through and I know how much that means to our community.
“Sir Kevin – we hope you take the time to enjoy this special moment, along with your wonderful family and friends. Thank you for everything you do to support us - we are so proud to have you as our patron and we can’t wait to join you once again in September when you take on your seventh and final challenge, supporting people living with MND and their families.”