HRH The Princess Royal joins Leeds icon Sir Kevin Sinfield as final MND challenge tops £534k

HRH The Princess Royal gave her royal backing to Leeds Rhinos icon Sir Kevin Sinfield today as his final ultra-marathon epic for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) passed the half-a-million-pound mark.

On Day Two of his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge, Sir Kevin and his team arrived at the University of York, where they were greeted by Princess Anne - who has served as Royal Patron of the MND Association since 2008.

Marking the occasion, The Princess Royal sounded the iconic 7-in-7 drum seven times to set Sir Kevin and his runners off on the next 7km leg of their journey.

The seven-day challenge, which kicked off on September 27, sees the former Leeds captain complete an ultra-marathon every day in support of people living with MND.

Inspired by his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow CBE, who died from the condition in 2024, Sir Kevin’s fundraising efforts have now raised more than £11 million over the past six years.

'An Extraordinary Legacy'

The Royal Patron met members of the MND community at the university as part of the challenge's Extra Mile event, where supporters joined Sir Kevin on the route.

Among those taking part was former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody, who revealed his own MND diagnosis a year ago.

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."

For those living with the disease, the event provided a moment of immense solidarity and hope.

Tom Davies, who was diagnosed with MND in 2024, met Princess Anne alongside his girlfriend Alex Ross.

Tom said: "It means so much to all of us with MND to have Kevin and his team supporting all of us, and it was great to meet The Princess Royal as well. It was a really fantastic event, the weather has been so good and it just means everyone has been so happy.”

Alex added: "It has been brilliant to be part of something so huge and to feel so supported by the community. Tom has always been so sporty, so he’s very much at home in a sporty environment, and he’s met a few of his heroes today, including Lewis Moody, which has been super exciting.

"Kevin and the team care so much, and they really keep everyone living with MND at the centre of what they do, which is so heart-warming.”

How to Follow & Support the Final Run

Hundreds of supporters are expected to line the routes across the North over the coming days as Sir Kevin pushes toward the finish line.

Sir Kevin and his team will complete their final ultra-marathon on October 3, running onto the pitch at Old Trafford ahead of the Betfred Super League Grand Final in front of 70,000 fans.

You can support Sir Kevin's final challenge and learn more about the work of the MND Association by visiting their official website.