Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has raised over £1.8million for motor neurone disease research with his ultra marathon challenge inspired by ex-Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow.
The former international has already more than doubled his target of £777,777, a nod to the number seven shirt worn by Rob, 40, who has MND.
After finishing the last of his seven races in seven days Kevin, 42, said: “It’s all about friendship and the love for Rob.”
The former Great Britain, England and Leeds Rhinos star ran 300 miles in the challenge ending on Saturday at the Men’s Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Setting off on his epic road race seven days earlier from Murrayfield in Edinburgh, he said: “Ultimately, I’m just going for a run for a mate.”
After finishing he said: “I know everybody feels the same way I do about Rob. If we can all try to be a better friend from time to time, we can all have a bit of a better place to live in.”
Thanking all those who donated and helped him along the way, he said: “It shows our country cares. It has been so tough and so brutal, but people with MND don’t get to choose, do they?
"We wanted it to be tough in their honour. We will find a cure for this disease.
“We will all keep fighting together until that day comes.”
Kevin, who got an OBE this year for services to rugby league and charity, was also inspired by ex-Scotland rugby union star Doddie Weir and former Bradford City footballer Stephen Darby who also have MND.
In 2020 Kevin raised £2.7m with a similar challenge, and last year he raised over £1m by running 101 miles in 24 hours.
