Last week, we saw Kevin Sinfield complete his incredible 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge and today the ex-Leeds Rhinos captain has hit his fundraising target, leading to numerous calls from the public for the rugby league legend to be knighted.
Sinfield starting this latest epic challenge a week ago today (Friday 1st December) running from his former club’s Headingley Stadium all the way to York Minster. That was leg one of what has been his fourth challenge to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
Of course Sinfield has been banging the drum regarding MND ever since his teammate Rob Burrow announced his diagnosis with the disease back in December 2019, the first event to fundraise seeing fellow Rhino Jamie Jones-Buchanan share his testimonial with Burrow.
From there it saw captain Sinfield lead the way completing 100 miles in seven days, his initial 7 in 7 challenge and also the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon as well.
Those efforts helped raise millions of pounds and this most recent effort has now smashed the goal total of £777,777, Sinfield taking the time yesterday to speak about just how important the money is to those fighting MND.
“Fundraising is so important. We tried to push this morning how important the money is because that’s what is going to shift the dial for us, that’s the thing that is going to get us the cure,” Sinfield explained upon completion of his final ultra-marathon yesterday.
He continued: “It’s also the thing that is going to make sure that families are looked after properly. If there’s one thing you leave today with from our team, it would be to have a great Christmas but spare a thought for those who are a bit less fortunate. If you can help and pick up the phone, please do it.”
Thank you all for your incredible support for Kevin Sinfield and the team for the #7in7in7 Challenge
📱 Text Kevin20 to 70143 to donate £20
💻 Online https://t.co/gKuNmSApEx pic.twitter.com/vSqSXzLm6N— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 8, 2023
Whilst he’ll settle in for Christmas and have some deserved time off the question of what next was asked, Sinfield offering up a noble answer highlighting the incredible mentality of the man and an insight into how and why the ‘golden generation’ of Rhinos revered him so much.
“I just keep going,” Sinfield explained, adding: “It’s my job to run, again I take it back to the start of going on a run for a mate, with some mates. That’s what this is still. Even though it’s grown and become bigger, in it’s simplest form that’s what this will always be. The minute it stops being fun or the minute I can’t run anymore, then we’ll find something else to do.”
Having previously discussed each challenge being akin to the Rocky films Sinfield suggested a different franchise whilst hinting that he’ll go again.
“I think Fast and Furious Five was pretty good. That was alright so we’ll see.”
But, even though Sinfield was the man of the hour, Burrow is just as inspiring and continues to battle Motor Neurone Disease.
Burrow has given an update on how he is feeling four years after he was given one-two years to live.
Burrow said: “Four years ago today I had one to two years to live and I got my got my diagnosis? I feel fine? Here is to the next four years.”
The former Leeds number seven is clearly feeling great and continues to inspire millions with the way he battles the illness.
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