Rugby league hero Kevin Sinfield has powered through tears and exhaustion to smash his fundraising target, raising more than £1 million in just seven days for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities.
A Royal Endorsement for an 'Incredible' Challenge
His monumental effort, running seven ultra marathons in seven days across the UK, drew praise from the Prince of Wales. Prince William, who last saw Sinfield at the opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds, sent a personal message of encouragement on the penultimate day of the challenge.
"Kevin, huge congratulations on nearing the finish of your incredible 7 in 7 challenge!" the Prince wrote. "Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring. Thank you for shining a light on the need for research and support."
A Tribute to a 'Special' Friend
The 45-year-old England rugby union coach is undertaking this, his sixth major fundraising challenge, in memory of his "special" friend and fellow rugby legend Rob Burrow, who died from MND in 2024. Together, their campaigns have raised over £10 million.
Sinfield described his penultimate run from Scotland as "tricky", but was buoyed by the news that the £1 million mark had been broken with Gift Aid. "It will change lives," he told supporters.
He is due for an emotional homecoming at Headingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds on Sunday, the very ground where the iconic image of him carrying Rob Burrow over the 2023 Leeds Marathon finish line was captured.
Raising Awareness for All Ages
The challenge has highlighted that MND can affect anyone. During his run, Sinfield met the family of 14-year-old Kyle Sieniawski from Pontypridd, who is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have died from the condition in November.
"It can affect anybody at any age, at any time," Kyle's mother, Melanie, told BBC Breakfast, urging for more fundraising and research. Sinfield told the family, "We've got to make sure that Kyle is always remembered... It can't happen, it has to stop."
Sinfield's assistant coach, England's Steve Borthwick, joined him on the route, calling him "an inspiration". The MND Association hailed the team as "unstoppable" as they dug deep to complete the gruelling challenge, which Sinfield said is "nothing compared with the challenges people with MND face every day."
