The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise visit to Sir Kevin Sinfield as he completed the third leg of his seven-day ultramarathon challenge aimed at raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. The event took place on September 29 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, home to Wakefield Trinity rugby league club, where Sinfield was greeted by hundreds of supporters, including the children and mother of his late friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow.
Sinfield, 46, is undertaking the challenge of running seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days, covering all 12 Super League rugby clubs between Hull and Manchester. The runs honor Burrow, who died earlier this year from MND. Since beginning these endurance efforts in 2020, Sinfield has raised over £11 million for MND research and patient support. Burrow's own fundraising efforts prior to his passing helped significantly increase awareness of the disease.
At the stadium, the royal couple praised Sinfield’s dedication and perseverance. Catherine, 44, told him, “What you are doing is so inspiring – the unity that you’re building,” while William said, “It’s been very special to watch.” Sinfield, visibly emotional, described the day as the “hardest so far,” mentioning that he was “hobbling slightly” and dreaming of an ice bath. He thanked the couple for their ongoing support and noted their presence added credibility to the cause.
William offered encouragement to Sinfield to rest after the day's run, urging him not to linger but to relax and recover. Sinfield humorously invited the prince to join him for the upcoming challenges, to which William responded playfully, suggesting he might catch up “next week” when Sinfield is scheduled for an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Prior to Sinfield’s arrival at the stadium, the prince and princess met with members of the MND community to discuss fundraising efforts and patient support services. The visit marked the second consecutive day of royal engagement with Sinfield’s campaign, following a prior visit on Monday by the Princess Royal in York. The Prince and Princess of Wales had also traveled to Leeds earlier to meet Sinfield’s former club teammates and pay tribute to Burrow’s legacy. William had previously surprised both men in January by presenting them with CBEs and officially opened Burrow’s Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in 2025 as part of his ongoing commitment to the cause.
Sinfield, now a coach for the England rugby union team, continues to inspire many through this challenge that both commemorates his friend and pushes forward vital fundraising and awareness efforts for MND.