Oldham rugby great Sir Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a Knighthood for his services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community. The Prince of Wales bestowed the honour on the former Leeds Rhinos forward on Wednesday.

Sir Kevin was joined by his wife Jayne for the investiture at Windsor. The honour recognises his sporting career and fundraising work, which has raised millions of pounds and raised awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.

Oldham councillors from five political groups issued a joint statement of congratulations. They were 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.

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.

"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 in with 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 a truly great Oldhamer."

The MND Association patron recently returned to his hometown to complete his seventh and final annual fundraising challenge, 7 in 7: The Grand Finale. He ran an ultra-marathon every day for seven days in memory of his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow CBE, who died from Motor Neurone Disease in June 2024 at the age of 41.

Residents turned out in large numbers as he passed through Saddleworth and Chadderton. Sir Kevin is a former Saddleworth School and Oldham Sixth Form College student and was awarded the Honorary Freeman of the Borough, Oldham's highest civic honour, in 2023.

During the challenge he visited all 12 English super league clubs and met hundreds of people with MND and their families along the way.