Prince William praises Sir Kevin Sinfield after seven-ultramarathon MND fundraiser

Prince William has praised Sir Kevin Sinfield’s work for motor neurone disease charities after the rugby league star completed seven ultramarathons over seven days. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, reported by BBC News, the Prince of Wales said Sinfield’s knighthood was an exceptionally straightforward decision and argued that the recognition should have come years earlier.

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Sinfield’s latest endurance challenge continued a fundraising campaign closely linked to his friendship with former team-mate Rob Burrow, who died from MND in 2024. Following Burrow’s diagnosis, Sinfield supported him and his family as the illness progressed, while helping bring wider public attention to the condition. William highlighted Sinfield’s ability to unite communities and lead without seeking personal attention.

William and Catherine saw part of the challenge themselves during a visit to Wakefield in West Yorkshire last month. The couple surprised Sinfield as he finished the third ultramarathon. Recalling that encounter, William expressed amazement at his physical endurance and concern about the strain on his knees and hips. Sinfield received his knighthood from William at Windsor Castle in October 2026, according to the BBC report.

The interview also addressed the support offered to Burrow’s family after his death. William said he had written to Burrow’s wife Lindsey and their children, Macy, Maya and Jackson. He spoke about his admiration for Lindsey’s response to bereavement and drew on his own experience of losing a parent, stressing that people experience grief differently and need time to deal with it.

William opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds in November last year, alongside the Burrow family. The facility provides medical and holistic care and supports research into the condition. He described the opening as an emotional occasion and said accepting the family’s invitation had been personally important to him.

William also recognised Scottish rugby union player Doddie Weir’s contribution to MND awareness before his death in 2022. He praised the Princess Royal’s longstanding support for the MND community. His comments placed Sinfield’s ongoing fundraising alongside the work of other sporting figures, families and supporters involved in raising awareness of the disease.