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Support for MND challenge 'gives us energy'

Rugby star completing seven ultramarathons in seven days

A former England rugby league star has set off on his second of seven ultramarathons to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.

Kevin Sinfield, 44, is running more than 60km (37 miles) on Monday between Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium and Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.

It is part of a week-long challenge running 370km (230 miles) over seven days across the UK, after the death of his former teammate Rob Burrow.

As he set off, he said: "To see that support on the road for MND families across the country is really special."

He added: "We take energy from it and we can't thank people enough."

The '7 in 7' challenge is his fourth consecutive annual event to raise money for MND charities, having already raised almost £10m in previous fundraisers.

PA Media Kevin Sinfield wearing a white top and red vest with the name of charities across it. The picture shows him setting off at the starting line, under an MND arch, with the stadium visible in the background. PA Media
Mr Sinfield has previously raised almost £10m for MND charities

He was best friends and former teammates with the late Mr Burrow, who died aged 41 in June after being diagnosed with MND in 2019.

And he has been a big supporter of Gloucester Rugby's 4Ed charity, in aid of former player Ed Slater, 36, who was forced to retire in 2022 after being diagnosed with the disease.

Mr Sinfield began this year's fundraising effort at Liverpool’s annual Santa Dash on Sunday, joined by 8,000 other runners.

Kevin Sinfield, right, wearing a long navy coat, smiling with supporters before leaving Kingsholm. There is a large red and white circus-style tent in the background and a large group of people smiling at the camera.
Dozens of supporters gathered at Kingsholm early on Monday to support Mr Sinfield

Ann Lloyd, from Highnam, near Gloucester, was at the starting line this morning to support Mr Sinfield, and said he was "absolutely amazing".

Ms Lloyd told BBC Radio Gloucestershire her sister had also been diagnosed with the condition, and said: "It's a devastating and cruel disease and we really need to find a cure, so all the work promoting it - and raising money along the way - is extremely important."

Mr Sinfield is stopping at checkpoints along the route which include Highfield Garden World at Whitminster, Slimbridge AFC, the Memorial Stadium in Horfield, home of Bristol Rovers FC, and finally Ashton Gate where Bristol City and Bristol Bears play their home matches.

'Really special'

Mr Sinfield said the support Gloucester Rugby has given the MND community "is really special".

As well as his "great friendship" with Ed Slater, he said former professional footballer Marcus Stewart and former Gloucestershire and England cricketer Syd Lawrence - both of whom have been diagnosed with the disease - are inspiration for him.

"The fact we get to share this special day with Syd and spend some time with him, and for him to see the love and support that is out there for the MND community, is really what I'm looking forward to watching," Mr Sinfield added.

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