Kevin Sinfield raises more than £1m with marathon challenge

Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has completed seven marathons in seven days to raise money in the name of former teammate and good friend Rob Burrow.

Leeds Rhinos and England hero Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease 12 months ago with the sport coming together since to offer support to one of its best-loved players.

None more so than former club and country teammate and Rhinos director of rugby Sinfield who took on the challenge of running 26.2miles seven times in a week in his native Leeds.

Setting out to raise £77,777, a nod to Burrow's famous shirt number, Sinfield has smashed that target raising more than £1,000,000 for the MND association.

Burrow inspired Sinfield with a message of encouragement before he began his challenge.

“Kev, from day one, has always been a role model to me and someone who I’ve held in the highest regard," he wrote.

“As I’ve said many times, I hope you know I’d do the same for you. It means everything to me. A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

The most special moment saw Sinfield greeted by Burrow upon completion of his fifth run at Headingley on Saturday.

"When I ran into Headingley and I saw him, I didn't stop straight away because I would have been a mess," Sinfield said. "I had a minute to gather myself but for him to be here was really, really special."

Speaking after completing the challenge, Sinfield said he was "massively surprised" by the amount raised and "just blown away by the support".

He added: "When we set out on Tuesday morning for the first one, we were at about £40,000 I think. We set a target of £77,777 and we were a little bit concerned that we may not hit it. And then suddenly it just started to roll in.

"The support has been incredible. Rob's felt it. I get a text off him every night saying how grateful they are of what this team have done."

Sinfield continued: "We've been really proud to wear the vest with number seven on, what that represents with Rob and his family, but also to have the MND Association on the front, to run in their colours, to understand the work that they do and the difference they make to so many families across the UK.

"Especially this week I've heard so many different stories about how horrific this disease is. This amount of money will make a huge difference. It will change a lot of things hopefully. The awareness is crucial. We need to find a cure, don't we."

Donate to Sinfield's fundraising efforts for Burrow and the MND association here