Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has praised his sport for the support he received in his charity efforts after being awarded with an OBE.
The former Leeds and England captain from Oldham who helped raise more than £2 million to fight motor neurone disease (MND) received his honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday (January 12).
Inspired by his former teammate, Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the disease back in 2019, Kevin undertook a gruelling 101-mile run from Leicester to Headingley in Leeds back in November – the equivalent of almost four marathons, completed without sleep inside 24 hours.
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After a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony hosted by the Duke of Cambridge, Sinfield said: “I think to be able to keep MND in the spotlight and continue to give it the awareness it deserves has been really special, so I’m delighted to be here to accept the honour on behalf of the whole of rugby league and MND community.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
“Rob’s story and his courage and his bravery has really inspired people, and whilst he’s willing to fight like he is, as a former teammate and a friend it’s really important, like we did on the rugby field, we stick together now.
“It’s lovely to be recognised myself but there’s been so many other people involved.
“The two big challenges we’ve done, our team have been magnificent – I think it’s really important for the MND community we keep banging the drum.
“But then you see the awareness and funds that the support has created – which is wonderful – and the sport of rugby league absolutely got behind it and got behind Rob.”
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