Few recipients more worthy of a knighthood than Sir Kevin Sinfield

In the past there has been a lot of debate about the honours system, especially around the worthiness of some of the recipients. But there is no such question over Sir Kevin Sinfield being awarded a knighthood.

People across Yorkshire had already started referring to the Rugby legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner as Sir Kev.

The images of Sir Kevin receiving his honour from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle yesterday will have warmed many hearts across the world.

They don’t come tougher than Sir Kevin as his various endurance challenges for MND charities have shown. But there is a warmth and sincerity that radiates from Sir Kevin that has won so many hearts as well.

Wherever Sir Kevin goes, he carries memories of his friend Rob Burrow with him. It is in his name that Sir Kevin started fundraising for MND charities after Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in late 2019.

Rob Burrow sadly died in 2024 as a result of the condition but when asked what his former teammate and good friend would think of the knighthood, Sir Kevin said “he’d be laughing” but also “proud”. It sums up the friendship that the two had and why so many have taken solace from their fight for MND causes.

Despite the gruelling challenges that he has undertaken in recent years, Sir Kevin would like to plan a run in Australia and New Zealand next year in a bid to get nations collaborating to try and find a cure for MND and look after families better. A reminder that the fight against MND is not over.