Despite raising over £11m for motor neurone disease by running seven ultra-marathons in seven days for six years, heroic fundraiser Kevin Sinfield missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours
Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield cross the finish line of the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023(Image: PA)
People’s Knight Kevin Sinfield missed out on a real gong on a technicality – but looks a shoo-in to become a “Sir” next year.
The selfless star has run seven ultra-marathons in seven days for the past six years to raise more than £11 million to find a cure for motor neurone disease.
His latest gruelling near 200-mile slog a fortnight ago brought in £1.4 million. The cash he has raised helped fund the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds named in honour of his Great Britain and Leeds Rhinos team mate who died from the condition last year aged 41.
Kevin Sinfield wrapped his feet in binbags to dodge floods on his latest fundraising trek(Image: PA)
Nearly 100,000 people joined the Daily Star in calling for Kevin to get a knighthood for his extraordinary efforts. Darts ace Luke Littler, 18, gave the gong his backing after donating thousands of pounds of his winnings to the cause.
While TV presenter Piers Morgan, House of Commons’ speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Rob’s widow Lindsey also joined the campaign. The Prince of Wales wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) to share with Sinfield his personal congratulations for completing his latest challenge.
Nevertheless, Kevin’s name was missing when the New Year Honours list was revealed on December 29. But sources said it was nothing to do with his suitability.
Prince William, Prince of Wales is welcomed by rugby union coach Kevin Sinfield(Image: Getty Images)
Honours’ protocol dictates folk who have already received awards should wait three years before they can get another. Under the guidelines Kevin – who got an MBE in 2014, OBE in 2021 and CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours – would not qualify for a knighthood until next year at the earliest.
Fans were disappointed but agreed he is a red hot favourite to become “Sir Kev” next year with signatures continuing to pour into an online “give-him-a-gong” petition last night. The 45-year-old England rugby union coach is already planning a seventh slog of seven ultra-marathons in 2026 to match the No7 pal Rob wore on his shirts.
And he has vowed to keep on fund-raising for the rest of his life to help fund more UK centres for sufferers of the degenerative nerve condition which causes muscle weakness, stiffness and paralysis. Commenting on Kevin’s absence from this year’s Honours list one fan wrote online: “He hasn’t been overlooked but instead isn’t eligible until next year.
“Top man.” Another said: “Fabulous man!
“Throughly deserves every honour that comes his way although possibly next year.” Others said a knighthood was “long overdue” for an “astonishing man” and “absolute legend”.
One said modest Kev “won’t give a flying fart” at missing out this time, adding: “It’s not about worthless honours.
“He is way above anything they could give him.” Another said: “Never was a Knighthood more deserved.
“I really do not think this astonishing man is too bothered. He did what he did for others, not titles.
“A fine example to us all. Bravo.”
Others urged the Royals to step in and change the Honours system. One said: “Meanwhile a bunch of worthless nonentities are handed out gongs and medals as if they were mince pies on Christmas Day.”
“Doesn’t it just illustrate – again – what made up nonsense the honours system is. Come on Prince Willy – time to step up and sort this out,” added another.
Some said they already plan to call him “Sir Kev”. A person shared: “Whether he is knighted or not I would still call him ‘Sir’ after what he has achieved.
“Well done Kev. What you have done is awesome.”
New Year and Birthday Honours are awarded by the King to folk who have made “significant achievements in public life” and “committed themselves to serving and helping Britain” following recommendations by the Prime Minister or senior government ministers. Members of the public can also make recommendations which may take two years to assess.
Folk graduating to a higher award will be judged on their work since their last gong.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
