Janine GriffithsSeacroft Hospital MND champion Kevin Sinfield was officially congratulated by Leeds City Council following the announcement that he is to receive a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The sporting icon played more than 500 games for the Leeds Rhinos rugby league team during one of the most successful periods in their history, alongside representing Great Britain and England, before later representing Yorkshire Carnegie during the 2015-16 season.
Since retiring from professional rugby, he has raised more than £11million for Motor Neurone Disease-related causes and charities by taking on gruelling ultramarathons and endurance challenges.
These massive fundraising efforts were undertaken in honour and memory of his late team-mate and great friend Rob Burrow CBE, who passed away in June 2024 after his courageous battle with the disease. Both men were jointly granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds, the city’s highest honour, back in January 2023.
The news carries immense significance for East Leeds, which is home to the landmark Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. The facility, which is the first such dedicated building of its kind, was officially opened at its Seacroft Hospital base by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in November 2025.
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis praised the announcement, saying: “Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield on a knighthood which is so richly deserved. Apart from his own legendary playing career for Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain, his selflessness and heroism in supporting and raising millions for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and in honour of his friend and fellow Rhinos icon Rob Burrow CBE is truly an inspiration to all of us.”
Councillor James Lewis also highlighted the profound local impact of the new medical facility in Seacroft, adding: “His passion and drive to create and open The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease here in Leeds has been extraordinary and it is already changing the lives of families across our city and far beyond. At the heart of Kevin’s message is humanity, compassion, helping those in need and ensuring Rob’s legacy lives on. Leeds couldn’t be prouder.”
The King’s Birthday Honours also brought celebration for the wider Leeds community, with an OBE awarded to Leeds foster carer Linda Harrison-Simcock.
Addressing this second major honour, Councillor James Lewis said: “We’d also like to congratulate Linda Harrison-Simcock on her OBE for fostering services. It is fantastic to see her tireless efforts recognised in this way, reflecting the incredible work foster carers do in our communities to make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.”
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