England Defence Coach Kevin Sinfield is currently embarking on an unbelievable challenge, that is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association amongst a whole host of excellent charities. Sinfield has completed his fourth day, of running an ultra-marathon every day, for seven days, across seven cities.
Sinfield completed his fourth ultra-marathon yesterday, with his journey taking him to Edinburgh. Sinfield began his awe-inspiring challenge in Leeds, and set off at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium, where he used to play Rugby League alongside Rob Burrow. Burrow is now living with MND, and the former rugby league star was at the start line to cheer his former teammate on.
Sinfield ran from Leeds to York Minister, before day’s two, three and four took him through Cardiff, Birmingham and most recently Edinburgh. Whilst in the Scottish capital, Sinfield gave a message to his supporters and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation at Murrayfield Stadium, about the late, great Doddie Weir, who tragically passed away from MND just over a year ago. Speaking in the pouring rain at the home of Scottish rugby, Sinfield said;
“Look here, look what you’ve done for us (raining). I said to Cathy when we did the extra mile, I said, the big man (Doddie Weir) is upstairs, he’s done this on purpose and he’s laughing at us! Good on him, I love you. It’s been an honour again to be in Edinburgh, despite the weather. You guys have come out and supported us when we’ve been on the road, and it’s been like this.
“So, thank you, we know why we are all here. The big man started it all off, his impact on Rob (Burrow). His impact on Rob and the Burrow family, and a friendship started between the two of them, and I gained one as well. You guys (My Name’5 Doddie foundation) have done a wonderful job by banging the drum for some time now. Forget the code of rugby, forget what it is, let’s keep trying to make a difference.”
The My Name’5 Doddie charity is another great cause, which Sinfield is raising money for, as well as Leeds Hospitals Charity, The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
“It’s been a great spot for us Edinburgh,” Sinfield said to the BBC.
“Obviously to run in Doddie’s honour today.”
Sinfield’s goal is to raise a grand total of £777,777 to reflect the former shirt number of his Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrows. The money raised will go towards building a specialist treatment centre, situated at a Leeds hospital. Sinfield is currently running an immense 43km trek from Edinburgh to Queensferry, before he continues his ultra-marathons across Dublin, Brighton and London to round of an incredible week.