OLDHAM rugby legend Sir Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in recognition of his remarkable sporting career and tireless fundraising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The former Leeds Rhinos forward received the honour from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Windsor on the 7th October, recognising his services to the Rugby League, Rugby Union and the MND community.
The knighthood has been warmly welcomed by leaders across Oldham, who praised Sir Kevin as an outstanding ambassador for the borough and its people.
In a joint statement, Cllr Kamran Ghafoor of The Oldham Group, Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Maggie Hurley of the Royton Independent Group, Cllr Arooj Shah of the Labour Group and Cllr Max Woodvine of the Conservative group congratulated the rugby great.
They said: “It is with great pleasure that we received the news of Kevin Sinfield’s knighthood.
“Kevin is a great hero both internationally and locally, and it was only a few days ago that he was out running the streets of Oldham, raising money again for Motor Neurone Disease.
“He has spoken in the past of his love for the town, and we recognise what a great ambassador he is for our borough and the people of it.”
Sir Kevin began his rugby journey at Waterhead in Oldham before going on to achieve extraordinary success in Rugby League, later establishing himself as a respected coach in the Rugby Union.
However, it is his extraordinary fundraising efforts for MND that have earned him widespread admiration far beyond the sporting world. His challenges have raised millions of pounds while helping to increase awareness of the condition and support those affected by it.
His latest honour follows his seventh and final annual fundraising challenge, 7 in 7: The Grand Finale, which saw him run an ultra-marathon every day for seven consecutive days.
The challenge was undertaken in memory of his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow CBE, who died from MND in June 2024 aged 41.
During the challenge, Sir Kevin visited all 12 English Super League clubs and met hundreds of people living with MND and their families.
His return to Oldham drew large crowds of supporters, with residents lining the streets to cheer him on as he passed through Saddleworth and Chadderton. The turnout reflected the affection and pride felt across the borough for someone whose achievements have inspired people locally and nationally.
Sir Kevin, who attended Saddleworth School and Oldham Sixth Form College, has maintained a strong connection with his hometown throughout his career. His latest challenge brought that connection into sharp focus, as residents once again came together to support his efforts to raise funds and awareness for the MND community.
The former England international was appointed Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2023, receiving Oldham’s highest civic honour in recognition of his achievements and contribution to the community.
The council leaders added: “As a rugby legend, starting out at Waterhead, he has scaled the heights as a player in Rugby League, and as a coach in Rugby Union.
“But beyond that, his incredible feats to raise millions of pounds to help treat Motor Neurone Disease have made him particularly valued and made a special connection with so many people who have sponsored him and cheered him on through the streets and even joined him at events such as the Santa Dash.
“This recognition could not be more deserved, and we would all like to place on record our recognition of truly great Oldhamer.”
Sir Kevin, a patron of the MND Association, was joined by his wife Jayne for investiture ceremony.
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