Kevin Sinfield: Jessica-Ennis Hill joins Rugby legend's ultramarathon through the streets of Sheffield for MND
Sheffield is out on the streets today to cheer on rugby superstar Kevin Sinfield on day four of his epic ‘7 in 7’ challenge.
The legendary Leeds Rhinos player and tireless fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association is in the Steel City today (December 4) running his fourth ultramarathon this week - with three more to go before Sunday.
At time of writing (1.30pm) he had already hit checkpoints at many of Sheffield’s sporting landmarks like Abbeydale Sports Club, linked up with Jessica Ennis-Hill, and shared a mile with members of the MND community at Don Valley Bowl.
Crowds wearing MNDA-branded hats and scarves gathered at Bramall Lane Stadium at 8.40am to see Kevin on his way.
The rugby superstar and his team arrived wearing dry robes to keep the chill at bay before meeting members of the MND community.
Ahead of what would be his fourth 26-mile run this week, Kevin Sinfield spoke to supporters, said “thank you, Sheffield” to the crowd and was given a countdown from 10 and a cheer before he set off.
Other checkpoints along the way today saw Kevin run along Western Road in Crookes.
In a special show of support, Kevin and his team diverted their route to visit Hallamshire RUFC, home of Tom Davies, a Sheffield rugby player who was diagnosed with MND at age 29.
There was also a special invitation-only event for members of the MND community to gather and join Kevin on one of his many miles at Don Valley Bowl at 12.
He is set to finish the punishing challenge with a poignant stop at the world-leading Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) on Glossop Road at 2.45pm.
The institute, based at the University of Sheffield, has been central to major advances in understanding why motor neurons die, how the disease progresses and which biological pathways could be targeted by future therapies.
Kevin and his team are completing the latest challenge in memory of his former Leeds Rhino teammate Rob Burrow CBE, who died from MND aged 41 in June last year.
As in previous years, Kevin is aiming to raise £777,777 which will be split between the MND Association, the Leeds Hospital Charity, Irish MND Association, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland and The Darby Rimmer Foundation.
Mike Rogers, Director of Research Innovation, MND Association, said: “Every day in the UK six people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease. During the week of Kevin’s challenge alone another 42 will hear the words, ‘You have MND’.
“Hearing those words is devastating – we don’t yet have effective treatments for most people living with MND – but with the money raised from Kevin’s challenges we are getting closer.
“Thanks to Kevin and the team and everyone who is donating so generously, the Association is funding the best research possible.
“Every single day of this extraordinary challenge counts and every mile matters.”
Sally Hughes, Director of Services and Partnerships, MND Association, added: “As Kevin takes part in his sixth challenge it’s an important reminder that six people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease every day in the UK.
“It hits hard. MND affects entire families leaving them facing an uncertain future and an unimaginable financial burden. The MND Association supports people with MND to make every day count.
“Money raised from the last five challenges has given more people with MND financial support through Association grants. It has also kickstarted our Research Nurse Network giving people with MND the chance to take part in important clinical trials.”
Donations can be made by visiting www.donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield-and-teams-fundraising or via text:
Text Kevin or Kevin 7 to 70143 to donate £7, Kevin10 to donate £10 or Kevin20 to donate £20.