Former England rugby league captain Sir Kevin Sinfield has received a knighthood for his services to the motor neuron disease (MND) community.

Sir Sinfield, accompanied by his wife Jayne, was one of 60 people to receive honours from Prince William at Windsor Castle on October 7.

The 46-year-old has raised more than £13m for charity in a series of running challenges inspired by his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who died of MND in 2024.

He said Rob would be “laughing” but “enormously proud” to see him receive a knighthood for his fundraising efforts.

"On behalf of all the MND families, Rob would just be delighted at how we've pulled together,” he added.

Sir Sinfield, who concluded his latest 7 in 7 ultra-marathon challenge at the Super League Grand Final earlier this month, said the reaction from the MND community to his knighthood had been "wonderful".

"I felt very fortunate to have connected with a lot of families who are going through some real challenging times, yet still continue to be at the roadside or stopping me in the street for a chat to share their story.

"So, I feel incredibly fortunate to be here today accepting this on their behalf."

He said his new 'Sir Kevin' title was still something he had to get used to.

“It’s really nice, but every time I hear that, I go straight back why we started…it was a run for a mate, with some mates, and that’ll never change, what we’ve been doing this last six or seven years,” he told the Press Association.

Sir Sinfield’s next challenge will involve travelling to New Zealand and Australia in 2027 to run seven marathons in seven venues in seven days. 

"To raise so much money and awareness has been wonderful, but the most important thing has been to show the MND community that they are loved,” he said.

"I have always said I am committed to this cause for life. There will come a time when I can’t run anymore but until then I am always thinking of ways I can do more.”