Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield is taking on his next hugely ambitious fundraising challenge, after raising £2.7million last year through his efforts to support people living with MND and research to change the future.
Kevin is putting his running shoes on again in November for his Extra Mile Challenge, after completing seven marathons in seven days in December last year and leading the team who raised the colossal sum for the MND Association.
Leeds Rhinos legend and former England captain Kevin, also an MND Association Patron, continues to be inspired by his friend and former team mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has dedicated himself to raising funds and awareness of the disease and need for research since then.
Earlier this year, Kevin joined the coaching staff at Premiership Rugby Union side Leicester Tigers, and for his latest challenge, will now attempt to run from Leicester’s home at Mattioli Woods Welford Road to Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds in 24 hours.
Starting on Monday 22 November, the run will be split into 7km segments, each must be completed within a hour before the next one starts on the hour.
Originally, the journey was planned to cover a distance of 100 miles, but the actual final distance covers 101 miles – the inspiration for the name of his ‘Extra Mile Challenge’.
His initial target is £100,000, with donations split equally between the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, supporting people living with MND and their families, and the MND Association which funds multi-disciplinary care delivered at the Centre and others across the country, as well as research into potential treatments for the disease.
“Undoubtedly this will the toughest challenge I have ever attempted but I know it will mean so much to so many people if we can reach our fundraising target,” says Kevin.
“In my short time at the Tigers, the people in Leicester have made me feel so welcome and it is wonderful that we have been able to come up with an event that starts in Leicester and finishes with us coming home to Emerald Headingley.
“The response from the public last year was breathtaking and I know, from feedback we have received from the MND Association, every penny that was raised has been put to good use to help members of the MND community across England and Wales.
“The more money we can raise, the more people we can help and ultimately find a cure for this cruel disease. We have seen science and research do some incredible things over the last year and I know so much work is going on to find a breakthrough for MND.
“I am sure there will be tough times as we pound the streets during the day and night, in cold November temperatures, but knowing the good we can all achieve together will be a huge motivation for everyone involved,”
The route for the run has been devised by the Carnegie Great Outdoors team at Leeds Beckett University and, unlike last year when COVID restrictions impacted supporter numbers, the route will be publicised in advance so well wishers can come out to cheer the team on.
To donate to the fundraising appeal, visit here
