The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised Sir Kevin Sinfield at the conclusion of his third ultramarathon in a weeklong fundraising effort to support motor neurone disease (MND) research. The event took place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield, home to the Wakefield Trinity Rugby League club.
Sir Kevin, a former professional rugby league player and current England rugby union coach, is undertaking a series of seven ultramarathons, running at least 45 kilometers each day across 12 English Betfred Super League grounds. The challenge is being conducted in memory of Rob Burrow, Sinfield’s former Leeds Rhinos teammate who passed away in June 2024 at age 41, after living with MND for over four years. Since initiating similar efforts in 2020, Sinfield has raised over £1 million for MND-related causes. This year’s challenge benefits six organizations, including the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name’s Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
At the finish line, the couple met with Sinfield and members of the MND community, who were unaware of the royal visit. The Princess praised Sinfield for his determination, describing the event as “very special to watch,” while the Prince called him “so inspiring.” The Prince joked about his reluctance to join the runs, saying he “can’t do Lycra.” Sinfield, who admitted it was the “hardest day so far,” responded with humor and gratitude.
During a brief speech to supporters, Sinfield became momentarily emotional as he thanked his team, fans, and charity partners. He told the royal couple that their presence brought “real credibility and awareness to the MND community.” The Prince and Princess spent time speaking with those affected by MND and discussed fundraising efforts and research advances.
The Prince has previously met Sinfield on several occasions. In 2024, he presented CBEs to both Sinfield and Burrow at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium and later opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, where he met Burrow’s family and Sinfield to learn about the center’s impact on people living with MND.
The Princess, who had temporarily reduced her public engagements while undergoing cancer treatment earlier this year, joined the Prince for the visits to Leeds and Wakefield, marking one of her first public appearances since.
Sinfield’s challenge, set to conclude at Old Trafford ahead of the Super League Grand Final, is his final ultramarathon fundraising event. After completing the run, the Prince encouraged him to rest, telling Sinfield, “Go and relax… well done, honestly, you’re amazing.” The Prince also suggested they might see each other again at Sinfield’s upcoming investiture at Windsor Castle.