Kevin Sinfield completes 230-mile run for MND
British Broadcasting CorporationRugby star Kevin Sinfield has raised more than £1 million after completing a 230-mile (379km) run for people with motor neurone disease (MND).
Despite suffering a muscle injury in November, he began a week-long effort at Liverpool last Sunday to pay tribute to his late team-mate Rob Burrow, who died of illness in June.
“Everywhere we’ve been, the families we’ve met, the stories we’ve heard – the fight, the inspiration, the willingness to come together to fight MND – have been amazing,” Sinfield said.
Ahead of the final leg, Sir Keir Starmer said in a video message that Sinfield’s efforts were “almost unbelievable in terms of endurance, commitment and dedication” to “such an important cause”.
Starmer added: “Through what you’re doing, important research can be done so that other people can benefit greatly from what you’re doing.”
This incurable disease affects the brain and nerves and is more common in people in their 60s and 70s.
public media
public mediaThe Oldham-born star was dubbed the “run home” for Christmas as he ran some 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Manchester to his home in Saddleworth in heavy rain and wind on the final day.
At the finish line, he told bbc breakfast: “Since Rob’s diagnosis, it’s taught me that it’s important to take some risks — to be uncomfortable, to be vulnerable, and yeah, that’s what we have to do this week.”
He said he was “pleased” to be back in Saddleworth and wanted to “give his body a break now”.
His physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan revealed that the 44-year-old suffered a muscle tear around 10 days before the race but continued to finish despite medical advice.
“The extent of his muscle tear, you’re not supposed to run yet, so to do seven ultramarathons in seven days is pretty incredible. This is the first year where we’ve had to say there’s a good chance you won’t make it.”
BBC/Bobby Jeffrey
public mediaLegends from the sporting world, including Olympic cycling couple Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, as well as Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and members of the MND community, accompanied Sinfield during the grueling run .
This is his fifth annual fundraiser for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis in 2019.
They became friends after playing football at Leeds Rhinos and Sinfield has raised more than £11 million since starting his epic run in 2020.
After Burrow’s death at the age of 41, his father urged Sinfield to continue fundraising to combat the impact of MND.
Sinfield describes the challenges as “just running with some mates.”
public mediaBurrow, who is married with three children, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 after a successful rugby career that included eight Super League final wins.
He also won 15 caps for England and five caps for Great Britain.
OctoberSinfield agreed to continue as assistant coach of the England Rugby League team.
