8 December 2024 News
After seven days and 230 gruelling miles Kevin Sinfield CBE is finally home for Christmas having run seven ultra marathons in seven regions of the UK in seven days, raising more than a million pounds for MND charities.
After an incredible final day which started at a stormy Old Trafford early on Saturday morning, MND Association patron, Kevin and his team arrived in Saddleworth to a hero’s welcome having not only completed their epic challenge, but also smashed through their £777,777 target. The team has been raising money for six MND charities, including the MND Association, in memory of their friend Rob Burrow CBE who died in June.
Throughout the week the MND community has been supporting Kevin every step of the way, turning out in huge numbers in towns and villages across the UK to cheer him on and by taking part in the Extra Mile events which have been a highlight of every leg of his incredible journey. Sporting legends, including Liverpool’s John Barnes and Gemma Bonner, Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny have also run and cycled alongside Kevin, while Coronation Street actors, Dan Brocklebank and Peter Ash, attended the Extra Mile event at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, having starred in the soap’s MND storyline earlier this year.
On Thursday, Kevin and his team started Day 6 at the MND Association’s offices in Northampton where he learned more about the impact the money raised is having on the fight against MND.
The MND Association’s Chief Executive, Tanya Curry said: “The enormity of what Kevin and his team have achieved this week is just impossible to overestimate.
“For our community, Kevin and his team are a real beacon of hope. The astonishing amount of money they have raised in Rob’s memory allows us to reach many more people affected by this truly devastating disease, while funding key research projects which give us all the greatest hope for a world free from MND.
“At the same time, the awareness Kevin and the team have raised along the way is making a huge difference, uniting people and turning the spotlight onto a condition which few had heard of just a few years ago.
“We are grateful beyond words for the team’s extraordinary efforts this week. The outpouring of love and admiration for Kevin has been humbling and is testament to just how much his efforts mean to all of us.
“We hope the team now has time to rest with their families and friends and we wish them all the very best for a peaceful Christmas.”
Half the money raised will be donated to the MND Association, while 22% will go to the Leeds Hospital Charity to help them build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. The remaining amount will be split between the Irish MND Association, MND Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and The Darby Rimmer Foundation who will each receive 7%.
You can still donate by clicking here
And if you’ve been inspired by Kevin and the team to take part in your own 7 in 7 Challenge you’ll find all the information you need to get involved today.