Heroic Kevin Sinfield has set off on his latest epic fundraising challenge - as he runs 300 miles in just seven days to support Rob Burrow and others living with motor neurone disease.
Rugby league legend Sinfield is Burrow's former Leeds Rhinos teammate and has already raised £5million in his close friend's name. And he has now embarked on an ‘Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge’, where he will set off in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and hopes to arrive at Old Trafford at half-time of the World Cup final on November 19.
Sinfield will run more than 300 miles in one week - averaging more than 37 miles a day to support those affected by MND. The 42-year-old ran seven marathons in seven days in 2020, and has upped the difficulty once again in a gruelling quest that will test his endurance.
Before setting off in Edinburgh early on Sunday morning, Sinfield spoke about the importance of his challenge in supporting Burrow, Doddie Weir, Stephen Darby and others living with MND.
“We’re not doing it for rugby – we’re doing it for Rob and Doddie and Stephen, and the support from the MND community has been incredible," Sinfield said. "Rugby has been a vehicle to give it a big platform, but it’s not just rugby league, it’s rugby union and football and it’s important that all three codes come together.”
He added: “It’s certainly daunting, but if it wasn’t I’d probably be saying it’s not a big enough challenge. Challenges should provide self-doubt and some risk, and there should be a big chance of not completing it as well. The toughest part has been the training, when it’s dark and cold and raining and you’re out on your own with nobody watching."
Sinfield will run through Melrose, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, York, Leeds and Bradford on his journey down south to Old Trafford for the final between Australia and Samoa. And he has admitted on his own donation page that the task ahead is even a step up from his other epic quests, but he has been inspired to raise more money for MND charities.
"This is taking the word challenge to the next level – but it still doesn’t even touch on the challenge which people with MND face every day," he said. "And that’s why I’m doing it. Inspired by Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, Stephen Darby and other people living with MND, the money raised will support the fight against MND.
"I’m proud to be supporting five charities with this challenge, charities which support people affected by MND and invest in research taking us closer to effective treatments and a cure for the disease."
Sinfield hopes to raise £777,777 for his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge. To find out more about Sinfield's challenge and donate to his cause, click here.
