Calls for Leeds Rhinos Legend Kevin Sinfield to be knighted after running seven marathons for Rob Burrow and Motor Neurone Disease Association

It comes after Sinfield ran seven marathons in just seven days in support of his friend and former Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019.

Sinfield has raised almost £2.5million for the MND Association - and donations are still coming in on the Just Giving page.

Lifelong Rhinos fan Mel Handforth was so moved by Sinfield's efforts that she started a Change.org petition calling for him to be given a knighthood.

Mel, 42, from Oakwood, said: "I've been a massive Rhinos fan my entire life and a season ticket holder for most of it. I remember hearing the news about Rob being diagnosed with MND and it was just awful.

"I think the amount of money and awareness that Kevin has raised for the charity is outstanding.

"I know Kevin has not done it for any recognition, he's done it because his pal needs him, but I think that's the reason he deserves a knighthood because he has been so selfless."

She added: "It's funny because when we did our Treble everyone jokingly called him Sir Kevin.

"Then when he was nominated for Sports Personality of the Year the hashtag 'Arise Sir Kev' started trending on Twitter.

"I think back to people like Captain Tom and how people responded to him during lockdown and I just think everybody needs good news stories like this.

"I'm not even certain that the petition will do anything but I think he deserves some sort of accolade and recognition for what he has achieved.

"For all the bad in the world, there are thousands upon thousands acts of goodness. This is one of those acts and it shouldn't go unnoticed."

-> Kevin Sinfield: Time to make 'Sir Kev's' nickname a reality after marathon fundraising effort

Mel, a Team Manager for a gas and central heating company, set up the petition on day three of Kevin's marathon challenge.

She had gained 100 signatures by December 6 but then the petition suddenly gained traction.

It now has almost 23,000 signatures.

Mel said she was shocked by the response and has seen signatures come from all over the country.

The mum-of-two said: "I am amazed and didn't expect so many signatures.

"People have signed from all over the country, not just from Leeds, but then that's what the rugby league community is like.

"You can stand next to rival fans like Castleford Tigers or Bradford Bulls and just have a laugh. There's no animosity.

"Kevin epitomises that kind of good, friendly sportsmanship even off the field.

"He is not Rob's Captain anymore but he still went the extra mile for his friend - we all need people like that.

"His approach to his personal life is exactly the same as his sporting life.

"He's such a fantastic role model.

"I've got two boys myself, Joseph, aged five, and Henry, aged four, and if they grow up looking up to somebody like Kevin Sinfield I would be absolutely made up.

"I'm proud of him as a Leeds Rhinos fan but I'm also proud as a human. He's the kind of hero people need."

Sign the petition on Change.org here.

The Change.org petition reads:

"Kevin Sinfield is a former professional rugby league player who has just raised over £2 MILLION to tackle Motor Neurone Disease, in support of his former team mate Rob Burrow.

"We need to publicly appreciate people like Kevin - he embodies teamwork, not only on the field for Leeds Rhinos, but more so off the field with his absolute dedication to raise awareness and money for Rob Burrow and others suffering from MND.

"Kevin Sinfield set himself a challenge of completing 7 marathons in 7 days - an amazing achievement! He had a target of £77,777 which he absolutely smashed, while raising massive amounts of awareness and money to tackle this cruel disease.

"He has always been a local hero, and now he is most definitely a national hero and it’s time he got recognised for it.

"The words legend and hero are often handed out, but on this occasion they are totally fitting for this bloke.

"A knighthood is exactly what Kevin Sinfield deserves. Let’s spread some light and happiness - sign the petition to properly recognise ‘Sir Kev’ for his efforts!"

Marathon man Kevin Sinfield hailed as game’s great ambassador

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