Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield will undertake a unique challenge that will begin on Tuesday 1st Dec, when he sets out on a personal crusade to help his friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow by running seven marathons in the first seven days of December.
The object is to raise funds and awareness for Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Sinfield is hoping to run each marathon in under four hours.
The significance of the number seven is that it was the number that Burrow wore throughout virtually all of his Leeds career, so Sinfield intends to run the seven marathons in seven days, finishing on the 7th December, with each run beginning at 7am.
Financially, his initial aim is to raise £77,777 for the fund set up to support Burrow and his family, with his three children all aged under eight, plus additional funds for MNDA.
As part of the week-long campaign, people with MND or their families are being encouraged to post their support on social media, using #RunKevinRun to share their stories.
Five of the runs will take place around Sinfield’s home town of Oldham in Greater Manchester and two will be in Leeds.
In order to comply with social-distancing guidelines, the routes are not being publicised and well-wishers are urged to show their support virtually and online through sponsorship donations.
“Having announced the challenge a couple of weeks ago, the nerves have certainly started to build as we get closer to the 1st December,” said Sinfield.
“I managed three marathons in three days a couple of weeks ago in preparation and there is no doubting this will be an incredibly tough challenge, both physically and mentally.
“I would like to thank all our partners who have made this possible and the local authorities in Greater Manchester, Oldham and Leeds who have helped us make sure we can do this as safely as possible in the current circumstances.
“I’m celebrating the memories and the good times I’ve had with Rob, not just dwelling on his current illness. All of his friends at the club have stood tall for him.
“I would like to thank everyone who has already donated so generously and hopefully you can keep spreading the word to friends and family to make sure we raise as much money and awareness as possible for MND.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sinfield-7-in-7.
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