Sinfield sets off on final leg of 230-mile race

BBC Seinfeld jogs with fellow runners in Salford in Christmas-themed running vest — Sinfield runs towards Salford Quays after leaving the BBC Breakfast studio on Saturday morning

Rugby star Kevin Sinfield has started the final leg of his 230-mile race to raise money for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

He left the BBC’s studios at Salford Quay just after 08:00 GMT, before heading towards Manchester United’s football stadium.

His latest nationwide challenge began in Liverpool last Sunday in memory of his partner Rob Burrow, who died with MND in June.

Sports luminaries including former footballer John Barnes and Olympian cycling pair Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, as well as members of the MND community, have joined Sinfield during his fifth annual fundraiser.

He said he was expecting “brutal” conditions but would “keep fighting”, with Storm Darragh expected to bring high winds to western parts of the country.

“To see schools coming out and understanding what MND is, to see schools talking about friendship and how to take proper care of people, it’s a wonderful message to us.

“But it’s the money that will change things,” said Sinfield, who in October agreed to remain as assistant coach of the England rugby union team.

On the fifth day of Sinfield’s race, firefighters formed a guard of honor at Hull’s Craven Park stadium

PA Media Firefighters formed a guard of honor to applaud Kevin Sinfield as he came out of the players' tunnel at Craven Park on the fifth day of his fundraising run. — On the fifth day of Sinfield’s race, firefighters formed a guard of honor at Hull’s Craven Park stadium

British cycling legends Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny join Sinfield for East Yorkshire leg Tour

PA Media Dame Laura, smiling in a black and white cycling helmet, rides a bike with Sir Jason, Sinfield and other supporting runners behind them. Well-wishers surround the group. — British cycling legends Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny join Sinfield for East Yorkshire leg Tour

On the final day of his Running Home for Christmas challenge, the Oldham-born star is set to run from Old Trafford to his Saddleworth home in the Pennine Hills.

The first stage of their seven-day effort began on Sunday with a race between Liverpool and Wrexham in north-east Wales, followed by a 60km (37-mile) race between Gloucester and Bristol.

With a team of supporting runners, Sinfield completed a series of 50 km (31-mile) races in and around Belfast, Glasgow, East Yorkshire and the East Midlands respectively.

They have so far raised almost £700,000 for six MND charities to help tackle the effects of the incurable condition, which affects a person’s brain and nerves.

The Prince of Wales made Borough and Sinfield CBEs at their former Leeds Rhinos ground in January this year

PA Media HRH Prince William, Burrow and Sinfield and their wives, with Burrow's two daughters and his son (playing on mobile phone) in the team dressing room — The Prince of Wales made Borough and Sinfield CBEs at their former Leeds Rhinos ground in January this year

Members of the MND community have also joined Sinfield in sections of the seven-day challenge

PA Media Dan Allinson, who has MND and is in a wheelchair, laughs with Sinfield on the side of the pitch at Craven Park Stadium, surrounded by other members of the MND community and supporters. — Members of the MND community have also joined Sinfield in sections of the seven-day challenge

Rob Burrow retired from the game in 2017 after an illustrious rugby career

After playing in a testimonial match in Leeds in January 2020, PA media Rob Burrows holds his son and daughters behind him. — Rob Burrow retired from the game in 2017 after an illustrious rugby career

Burrow, married with three children, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 after a successful rugby career that included eight Super League grand final wins.

He also won 15 England and five Great Britain caps.

Burrow died in June at the age of 41.