Kevin Sinfield has officially completed his challenge of seven ultra marathons in just seven days, as part of his pledge to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease.
The former rugby league star began in Edinburgh just a week ago, finishing at Old Trafford in Manchester just last night – after passing through Yorkshire earlier in the week.
Inspired by friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND back in 2019, Sinfield has been taking on various fundraising challenges to help the cause ever since, with his latest marking his most ambitious yet. Completing a whopping 300 miles on his 7-day-long run, Sinfield quickly surpassed his original fundraising target of £777,777 (a tribute to Burrows’ shirt number), with a whopping £1.3m raised as he wrapped up his run in Manchester.
Following his run, donations continued to roll in, with the pot officially reaching the £1.5m mark later last night.
Speaking to BBC Sport following his challenge, Sinfield said: “It’s all about friendship. And the love for Rob.
“I know that everyone feels the same way that I do about Rob Burrow. He’s an absolute champion, the way the Burrow family have been so courageous and brave. We just wanted to be a great friend and if we can all try and be a bit of a better friend from time to time, I think we have a bit of a better place to live in.”
Sports fans have banded together to support the Leicester coach, with Burrow himself greeting his friend as he passed through Leeds on Friday.
The funds raised by Sinfield will be split between five charities that support those affected by MND, with the pot currently sitting at £1.6m as of this morning.
Rob Burrow retired from rugby back in 2017, before announcing in late 2019 that he was suffering from MND. Burrow has advocated for MND charities ever since, earning himself an MBE in 2021.
Kevin Sinfield has been dedicated to the cause since his friend’s announcement, too, raising a whopping £5m for charities over the past two years with a number of tough running challenges.
To donate to the cause, head to the fundraising page here.
Read more: BBC Presenters Left In Hysterics As Kevin Sinfield Caught Urinating Live On Tele
[Featured image: Kevin Sinfield/Just Giving]
