Kevin Sinfield Expresses Gratitude to East Yorkshire Following Latest Challenge Leg

Kevin Sinfield conveyed his appreciation to East Yorkshire after concluding the most recent segment of his “Running Home for Christmas” challenge. The 44-year-old former England rugby league star previously covered approximately 31 miles (50km) between Beverley and Hull. He was accompanied by Olympic cycling gold medallist Dame Laura Kenny. Upon crossing the finish line at Craven Park, the home ground of rugby league side Hull Kingston Rovers, Sinfield stated it was “wonderful” to witness people uniting in support of the Motor Neurone Disease community. He addressed supporters, saying: “To see everyone come together to support what we are trying to do and to support the MND community has been wonderful.” He further added: “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 concluded: “We can’t thank you enough.” Earlier, Dame Laura characterized MND as “one of the cruellest diseases.” She remarked: “What Kev and Rob and Doddie and everyone shouting about motor neurone disease is doing are total inspirations to me.” She continued: “I just want everyone to know what it is and keep raising money because without these events ultimately we won’t find a cure.” Speaking at Beverley Racecourse, Sinfield informed supporters: “I always enjoyed playing in Hull, so I get to play here again today.” The former Leeds Rhinos star is undertaking an effort to run a total of 230 miles over seven days to generate funds in memory of his friend and teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND in June at the age of 41. Sinfield initiated the run with a countdown played on a drum by Rosie, whose grandmother Ruth has MND. Ruth commented: “It isn’t easy, but thanks to people like Kevin we hope we get a cure.” The challenge also serves to commemorate former Hull FC player Adam Maher, who died from MND in 2020 at the age of 47. Mr Sinfield commenced the route wearing the black and white colours of Hull FC, but transitioned to the red and white of cross-city rivals Hull KR for the latter half of the journey. Sinfield observed: “The people of Hull have been fantastic in their support of Rob and certainly both clubs have done their little bit.” He added: “There’s some rivalries of some of the places we’ve been, but we all need to come together and fight in the battle against MND.” This event marks Sinfield’s fourth consecutive annual fundraiser for MND charities, having already accumulated almost £10m through previous initiatives. He began the challenge on Sunday in Liverpool, where he participated in an annual Santa Dash. On Friday, he is scheduled to run between Northampton and Leicester, with the finale set for Saturday between Old Trafford and Saddleworth.