Association fundraisers recognised at award ceremony

Kevin Sinfield OBE has been named ‘Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year’ at a ceremony dubbed ‘the most inspiring night of the year’.

MND Association patron and rugby legend Kevin was awarded the accolade at the JustGiving Awards 2022, in recognition of his incredible fundraising feats inspired by former Leeds Rhino’s teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND almost three years ago.

Kev has raised around £5 million towards the fight against MND with his first two challenges – 7 in 7 and The Extra Mile. And that total will increase as he prepares for his third challenge Ultra 7 in 7, starting in Edinburgh in November.

Kevin wasn’t able to attend the ceremony hosted by Radio 1’s Vick Hope and Jordan North, so MND Association Regional Fundraiser Jenn Scribbins and a representative from Leeds Rhinos collected the award on his behalf.

Jenna said:

“I’ve been working with Kev and his team for almost three years and I know how much work, effort and determination they all put into organising these amazing challenges. It was an absolute honour to pick up the award for Kev, which recognises the difference he has made, and will continue to make, to the MND community.”

Also recognised at the awards were Stuart Bates and Charlotte Nichols – known as Spennylympics. The pair were shortlisted in the Fundraising Team of the Year category after raising a staggering £155,000. They completed 80 Olympic events in 17 days during the Tokyo Olympics, in memory of Stuart’s brother Spencer who died of MND.

MND Association’s Director of External Affairs Chris James said:

“People like Kevin, Stuart and Charlotte are inspirational. Through their efforts they give hope to the MND community and for that we cannot thank them enough. We are absolutely delighted their amazing efforts have been recognised with nominations – and in Kev’s case a win – in these prestigious awards.”