THE Princess Royal has joined Sir Kevin Sinfield as the rugby league legend continues his seventh and final ultra-marathon fundraising challenge for people affected by motor neurone disease.
HRH The Princess Royal met Sir Kevin and members of the MND community at the University of York on Monday, September 28, during the second day of his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge.
The seven-day event began on September 27 and will see Sir Kevin complete an ultra-marathon every day, bringing to a close a series of endurance challenges which have raised millions of pounds for MND charities. The MND Association confirmed ahead of the start that this would be his final 7 in 7 challenge. MND Association
Fundraising from the latest challenge has already passed £534,000.
The Princess Royal, who has been Royal Patron of the MND Association since 2008, watched members of the MND community complete a mile alongside Sir Kevin as part of the challenge’s Extra Mile event.
She then sounded the 7 in 7 drum seven times to send Sir Kevin and his team on their next 7km section.
The fundraising efforts were inspired by Sir Kevin’s former Leeds Rhinos teammate and close friend Rob Burrow CBE, who died from MND in 2024.
Over the past six years, Sir Kevin and his team have raised more than £11 million for MND charities while helping to significantly increase awareness of the disease.
Money raised for the MND Association has supported research and services for people affected by MND, including support funds, programmes for children and young people and its Research Nurse Network.
Tanya Curry, chief executive of the MND Association, said: “We were thrilled to welcome our Royal Patron The Princess Royal to be part of Sir Kevin’s final challenge to see first-hand the extraordinary community that has grown around his fundraising efforts.
“Over the past seven years, Kevin and his team have inspired people across the UK to stand alongside people affected by MND.
“Together, they have raised awareness of the disease on an unprecedented scale and generated vital funds that are helping to improve lives right now and drive forward desperately needed research.
“As Kevin takes on the final chapter in this extraordinary fundraising journey, it is impossible to overstate the impact he has had on the MND community.
“His commitment, compassion and determination have left a legacy that will be felt for many years to come.”
Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody, who was diagnosed with MND last year, also took part in the Extra Mile event.
Hundreds of supporters are expected to join Sir Kevin and his team at points along the route during the week.
The challenge is due to reach its conclusion at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 3, when Sir Kevin and his team are expected to finish on the pitch ahead of the Betfred Super League Grand Final in front of around 70,000 fans.