(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
The Princess Royal greeted Sir Kevin Sinfield as the rugby legend arrived in York during his latest endurance challenge for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
Princess Anne welcomed Sir Kevin at the University of York on Monday (September 28) on the second day of his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge, which will see him try to complete an ultra-marathon every day for seven days.
The Princess Royal at the University of York Athletics Track, on day two of Sir Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7: The Grand Finale 2026 Challenge (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Sir Kevin, who has already raised more than £11 million for MND causes, ran to the university from Shiptonthorpe, near Market Weighton.
This week's challenge is Sir Kevin's seventh endurance venture inspired by former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four-and-a-half years.
Sir Kevin Sinfield and Lewis Moody at the University of York Athletics Track on day two of the 7 in 7: The Grand Finale 2026 Challenge on Monday (September 28) (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
At the University of York, Sir Kevin was joined by members of the MND community, including former England rugby captain Lewis Moody who was diagnosed with MND last year, in running an “extra mile”.
Sir Kevin told the gathered crowd from the MND community that the extra mile event was the “best part” of the challenge.
“We just get the chance to come together. To fight together. To run together. To walk together,” he said.
Sir Kevin spoke to runners from the MND community as they made their way around the university’s running track.
Hilary Casey, 65, and her husband Bob, 63, who was diagnosed with MND last year, were among those who joined Sir Kevin during the run at the university.
Hilary Casey and Bob Casey before joining Sir Kevin Sinfield during his Grand Finale challenge at the University of York on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
“It was amazing,” Hilary said after completing the mile with Sir Kevin. “It’s lovely – so uplifting. It’s been an amazing day.”
The couple, from Scarborough, praised Sir Kevin for keeping MND in the spotlight through his challenges.
“It was really good to be involved in things like this because it keeps it in the public eye,” Bob said.
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Bob added that knowing about Burrow’s MND diagnosis meant he understood the disease when he was diagnosed.
“It made the diagnosis easier to deal with because I knew so much more about the disease,” Bob said.
Hilary added: “People are getting help quicker now because people are understanding what MND is [because of Sir Kevin’s efforts].”
The family of Tom Davies, who was diagnosed with MND two years ago aged 29, also joined Sir Kevin on the run.
Alex Ross, Tom Davies, Simon Davies (behind) and Julie Greenwood at the University of York to join Sir Kevin Sinfield on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
Tom, from Sheffield, said he wanted to come to York to support Sir Kevin.
“I’m happy he puts in so much for effort for people with MND,” Tom said.
Tom’s dad Simon praised Sir Kevin for the "hope and love” he brings to people with MND by raising awareness of the disease.
“To make people aware of it is tremendous,” Simon said.
The Princess Royal at the University of York Athletics Track, on day two of Sir Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7: The Grand Finale 2026 Challenge (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, the MND Association’s Royal Patron, watched as Sir Kevin completed four laps of the university’s athletics track with his supporters and then banged a drum seven times to send him on his way.
Anne also chatted to people who had come to support the event, including many living with MND.
Crowds lined the streets of York after Sir Kevin left the university and made his way through the city to the LNER Community Stadium to visit York Knights before completing the second day at Bishopthorpe Palace.