William and Kate Surprise Kevin Sinfield on MND Run in Wakefield

Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, walked onto the pitch at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield on Tuesday 29 September to surprise Kevin Sinfield mid-run. Sinfield was on the third day of his week-long 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge. The couple had spent the day in Yorkshire meeting people affected by motor neurone disease.

The day had begun at Headingley Rugby Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos. William and Kate were there to learn about the motor neurone disease awareness work led by Sinfield and Rob Burrow. Motor neurone disease, shortened to MND, affects the nerves that control movement and muscles.

Later on Tuesday the couple travelled to Wakefield. They spent time with families affected by MND and listened to their experiences. Then they joined supporters to welcome Sinfield onto the pitch as he finished another leg, as documented by Hello! Magazine.

The task Sinfield has set himself is clear. He is running at least 45km every single day for seven days. His route takes in all 12 English grounds in the Betfred Super League, the top division of rugby league in England, and finishes at Old Trafford ahead of the Super League Grand Final, the sport's championship decider. The seven-day format gives the challenge its name.

The run started on Sunday 27 September at Sewell Group Craven Park, home of Hull KR, before crossing the city to the MKM Stadium, according to the Leeds Rhinos. On Monday 28 September Sinfield was met at the University of York Athletics Track by Anne, the Princess Royal. Anne has been patron of the MND Association, the charity that supports patients and funds research, since 2008.

Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019. He died in June 2024 aged 41. William presented Burrow and Sinfield with their CBEs, Commanders of the Order of the British Empire awarded for leading work in public life, at Headingley Stadium in 2024. In November 2025 William opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, a centre carrying Burrow's name.

What makes this stand out is the thread joining each stop. Headingley to Wakefield to York, and from an investiture to a treatment centre to another finish line. For fans following along, it was a familiar meeting in an unfamiliar place, in the middle of a very long run.