Kevin Sinfield Praises “Incredible” Support in Hull During MND Challenge

Former rugby league star Kevin Sinfield expressed that the backing he received from residents in East Yorkshire during his most recent motor neurone disease (MND) fundraising challenge was “incredible”. Sinfield completed seven ultra marathons across seven days on Saturday, in tribute to his late teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away from the illness in June. On Thursday, the 44-year-old former captain for England and Leeds Rhinos covered approximately 31 miles (50km) between Beverley and Hull. He informed BBC Breakfast: “The stand out moment was when we ran into Hull.” Sinfield began his run from Beverley Racecourse wearing the black and white colors of rugby league club Hull FC, but then changed into the red and white of cross-city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers for the latter half of the route. “When we hit Hull city centre there was just so many people there,” Sinfield stated. He further mentioned that, despite the rivalry between the teams, “they all understood we were there to fight MND together”. “To be able to have that support was incredible.” After crossing the finish line at Craven Park, the home of Hull KR, Sinfield told supporters: “We wanted to come here because it’s a mad rugby league city [and] we hoped you’d get behind Rob Burrow, and you certainly have done.” He added: “We can’t thank you enough.” Sinfield concluded: “The people of Hull have been fantastic in their support of Rob and certainly both clubs have done their little bit.” Olympic gold medallist Dame Laura Kenny joined Sinfield on his fundraising run, commemorating her grandmother who died from the disease in 2006. She remarked: “What Kev and Rob and Doddie and everyone shouting about motor neurone disease is doing are total inspirations to me.” “I just want everyone to know what it is and keep raising money because without these events ultimately we won’t find a cure.” The challenge also honored former Hull FC player Adam Maher, who died from MND in 2020 at the age of 47. This event marks Sinfield’s fourth consecutive annual fundraiser for MND charities, having already accumulated almost £10 million from previous efforts. The former England player initiated the week-long challenge in Liverpool, concluding it on Saturday near his home in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, having raised over £1 million.