He did it! - Hero Kevin completes epic Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge and raises well over £1m for MND charities

Oldham-born rugby legend Kevin Sinfield OBE finally completed the official route for his epic Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge on Saturday.

The exhausting challenge saw Kevin cover nearly 40 miles per day for seven days before he finished on the pitch at Old Trafford at half time in Saturday's men's Rugby League World Cup Final.

It has since been announced that more than £1,400,000 has been raised for Motor Neurone Disease charities.

The local hero ran through his beloved home town - receiving amazing receptions along the way - before ending up at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The main beneficiaries will be the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.

Rob is a great friend of Kevin's and a former Leeds Rhinos team-mate.

There will also be donations to MND Scotland, My Name’s Doddie Foundation and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, plus support for the 4ED campaign to support former Gloucester and Leicester Rugby Union player Ed Slater, who was recently diagnosed with MND.

His epic challenges in 2020 and 2021 have already raised over £5 million.

This year's 7 in 7 Challenge started last Sunday week (November 13), when Kevin ran from Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh to Melrose RUFC.  

Saturday''s final day started at 6.57am from the Valley Parade stadium.

Once in Ripponden, Kevin headed onto Oldham Road (A672) and stay on, going past Booth Wood Resevoir and under the M62, stopping at the Rams Head Inn.

He then continued along Oldham Road (A672), becoming Ripponden Road, and continued along here as it passed through Sholver, Moorside and Watersheddings.

At Failsworth, the route dropped down onto the Canal towpath of the Rochdale Canal for 6km before heading into Manchester city centre at Trinity Way.

Later he continued along Deansgate, heading along Chester Road and Bridgewater Way, before turning right towards Old Trafford.

Inspired by his great pal and former Rhinos team-mate Rob, Doddie Weir, Stephen Darby and other people living with MND, Kevin's initial aim was to raise £777,777 from the challenge.

However, that total was well and truly smashed.

There have been lots of posts from well-wishers on the Rhinos Facebook page.

"It was a privilege to see this at Old Trafford this afternoon, amazing man," said one.

Another added: "Well done Kevin and all your awesome team.

"I've followed this journey every day on breakfast tv.

"This man Kevin is such an inspiration for everyone and a true friend to Rob.

"I hope we all meet a Kevin and a Rob in our lives."

"One day I’ll not cry watching Sir Kev's fundraising clips," said another.

Another post read: "What an absolute legend you are Sir Kev and your brilliant team.

"Not all hero's wear capes, some wear running shoes. Bless you all."

Supporters can still show their support now, by simply clicking here

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