Rob Burrow would be proud of my knighthood, says Kevin Sinfield

Sir Kevin Sinfield has said his late friend Rob Burrow would be "laughing" but "enormously proud" to see him receive a knighthood.

The former England rugby league captain and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner was one of 60 people to receive honours from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier.

Sir Kevin, who has raised more than £11m for charity, received a knighthood for his services to the MND community, as well as for services to league and union rugby.

He said he was "massively humbled by the whole experience" and "very proud to accept it on behalf of the MND community and their families".

The 46-year-old said the prince, who presented Sir Kevin and Burrow with their CBEs at Headingley Stadium in 2024, had been "fantastically supportive" of their campaign.

William, alongside the Princess of Wales, surprised Sir Kevin on the third day of his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge last week, during which he completed seven ultra-marathons in seven days.

It was inspired by Burrow, his late Leeds Rhinos team-mate and friend, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four years.

Sir Kevin said: "I think [Prince William] champions pulling communities together, and I have seen how the MND community have come together on the back of Rob's diagnosis and several other high-profile sportspeople over the last six or seven years.

"So his support and, obviously, Princess Catherine's as well, they've been wonderful and bring a real credibility to what we're trying to do."

Sir Kevin said he would now like to plan a run in Australia and New Zealand next year, and "ensure that collaboration is taking place between nations that are working incredibly hard to try and find a cure and to look after families better".

He 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 he had not got used to the title "Sir Kevin" yet, adding: "I don't think I ever will.

"It's really nice, but every time I hear that, I go straight back to why we started, and it was a run for a mate, with some mates, and that will never change, what we've been doing this last six or seven years."

Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee, from Dewsbury, was also among recipients at the investiture.