Kevin Sinfield has completed another marathon to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association on the day he and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow were named patrons of the charity.
Sinfield initially ran seven marathons in seven days in December to raise money to increase awareness of MND, after Burrow was diagnosed with the life-limiting condition 12 months earlier.
The former England skipper completed his latest challenge on Rob Burrow Day, the date of 7/7 chosen because the former scrum-half wore the iconic seven shirt during his glittering career.
Sinfield's '7 in 7' challenge and the efforts of others inspired by it have now raised almost £3million.
And he's off! Kevin Sinfield is not letting a bit of rain slow him down pic.twitter.com/WhLAxTzuFi — Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 7, 2021
Speaking after completing Wednesday's marathon from his home near Saddleworth in Greater Manchester, Sinfield said: "I think a day to talk about how special Rob is and thank him for what he continues to do is a fantastic positive thing to put a smile on all our faces.
"It's a big day for the MND Association and it's a big day for Rob. He inspires me every day, he inspires the whole of rugby league and the whole country.
"To keep him in everybody's minds is important and we'll keep doing what we have to do to make sure we try and find a cure and make it easier for people who are suffering from this horrible disease."
Sinfield and Burrow were invited to become patrons of the MND Association in recognition of their efforts to raise both funds and awareness of the charity.
Existing patrons include Professor Sir Colin Blakemore, Chris Broad, Benedict Cumberbatch, Baroness Finlay, Charlotte Hawkins, Eddie Redmayne and Jeremy Vine.
MND Association chief executive Sally Light said: "Our Board of Trustees was unanimous in the decision to invite Rob and Kevin to join the MND Association as Patrons.
"The strength, courage and friendship shown by both men over the last 18 months has captured the heart of a nation, not just the MND community, and has resulted in a huge increase in awareness of motor neurone disease, and vital support for our work."
Burrow said: "It is a huge honour to be invited to become a patron of the MND Association and I am delighted to accept.
After completing his marathon today, Kevin Sinfield pays tribute to his friend @Rob7Burrow as we celebrate #RobBurrowDay today and the inspiration Rob has given every one of us #ThankYouRob pic.twitter.com/pdonhZENf7 — Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 7, 2021
"I have seen first-hand the incredible work the charity does, not just with those living with MND but also their families and loved ones.
"Personally, I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the countless fundraising activities over the last 18 months to help raise funds to support the MND community and vital research."
Sinfield added: "I have been so touched by the many stories I have heard from within the MND community and I am committed to continue my support to them for as long as it takes to find a breakthrough."
To support Sinfield's latest fundraising effort, you can visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sinfield-7-in-7 to donate.
