Kevin Sinfield completes mammoth run to raise money for MND facility
The former Leeds Rhinos captain has run the length of four marathons in just 24 hours, in honour of his friend Rob Burrow
Last updated 23rd Nov 2021
Former Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield says he has been overwhelmed by the response to his latest fundraising challenge.
The ex-England international has run from Leicester to Leeds- the length of almost four marathons- non-stop inside 23 hours.
The journey was split into seven-kilometre segments, and covered more than 100 miles.
It proves Sinfield will once again go the distance for his former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.
"I feel really good"
Money raised from the run will be divided between the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build a new care centre in Leeds- that would bear the name of Rob Burrow.
"I feel really good," Sinfield said after completing the fifth leg near Nottingham. "We've really been buoyed by the support, it's been incredible, and the weather is great. The rugby gods are shining on us.
"There have been so many people out, from both codes, league and union. The team is in really high spirits but seeing people coming out like they have really picks everybody up."
Speaking after arriving at Harthill to complete the 13th leg of his challenge, he said in a video message on Leeds Rhinos' official Twitter account: "We're 13 in, thanks to everybody who has given so far. You've made a huge difference. The support has been incredible.
"Please keep giving, it will make a huge difference to everyone in the MND community. Thank you."
"We stick together"
Sinfield was given a send-oof in Leicester by the Coldstream Guards and recieved good luck messages from Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Mo Farah.
He was also met by his best friend Rob Burrow when he crossed the finish line early on Tuesday morning.
"That's what teams do, we stick together," he said. "We still look after each other, that's the great thing about rugby.
"I've said it before, when someone is in a bit of bother, a bit of strife, the Batman sign goes up and the group will come, that's probably the strength of that group of players.
"That's rugby, isn't it? Perhaps not all teams have it but ours did."
In December 2020, Sinfield helped raise over £2.7million by running seven marathons in seven days and has already smashed through his initial target of £100,000 for his latest challenge.
As the clock neared midnight on Monday with Sinfield more than 63 miles in, his Giveasyoulive fundraising page had soared past £385,000, with another £77,000 in gift aid.
He had earlier insisted that despite a lack of sleep and plummeting temperatures as he prepared to run through the night, nothing would prevent him from completing the challenge.
"I'm prepared to keep going," he said. "I don't know how long my knees will hold up, but he's a mate and he'd do it for me."