Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield is preparing to launch his sixth annual fundraising challenge for motor neurone disease, expressing his hope that fellow rugby star Lewis Moody will join the monumental effort.
The '7 in 7: Together' Challenge
Sinfield will commence the '7 in 7: Together' challenge next Monday, an event that involves running seven ultramarathons across seven consecutive days. This year's endeavour marks his sixth annual fundraising initiative dedicated to the MND community, a cause he championed after his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, received his diagnosis in 2019.
The incredible fundraising efforts led by Sinfield have already amassed over £10 million for vital research into the disease and to support families affected by it. The challenge will culminate on December 7 at the AMT Headingley Stadium, home of the Rhinos, where it will combine with the Leeds Santa Dash for a powerful finish.
A Newcomer to the MND Community
The campaign has taken on renewed significance with the recent diagnosis of former England rugby union captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody, who announced he had MND in September. Sinfield revealed he has been in contact with Moody, noting that their first conversation strongly reminded him of his early discussions with Burrow.
"I know he is a World Cup winner, but that probably doesn't do him justice for what a great champion guy he is," Sinfield said of Moody. "He's just a lovely man, a big family man. I'm very hopeful he will join us at some point on the route."
Sinfield expressed that it would be profoundly important for Moody to witness the overwhelming support from the MND community firsthand. "I think he'd be bowled over by the support, by the love, by the well-wishers," he added. "We'd love to have him with us."
Honouring a Lasting Legacy
Despite the passing of his friend Rob Burrow nearly a year and a half ago, Sinfield confirms that Burrow remains the central inspiration behind the entire challenge. The very name of the '7 in 7' challenges is derived from Burrow's iconic shirt number.
"The beauty of Rob being here was that I got to see him and spend time with him," Sinfield reflected. "Clearly, that's not there now, but like all of us, when we lose people, you hold on to your fond memories."
He shared that he frequently encounters reminders of Burrow during his runs, from seeing the number seven on his watch to spotting registration plates with multiple sevens. "There's stuff like that that happens to me all the time and they are nice memories to have," Sinfield said. "I only think of Rob in a really positive, inspiring, fun way."
The first leg of the gruelling challenge will see Sinfield and his team run from Bury St Edmunds to Ipswich. They will be joined by former Ipswich Town forward Marcus Stewart, who was diagnosed with MND in September 2022, for the start and end of the opening day.
Sinfield, who now serves as a skills and kicking coach for the England rugby union team, continues to drive forward a legacy of hope and determination in the face of a devastating disease.
