Hero Kevin embarks on his final day of 7 in 7 Ultra Marathon challenge

Hero Kevin Sinfield’s epic challenge to run seven ultra marathons in seven days across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland comes will conclude today (Saturday).

Kevin is raising money for MND charities in memory of his best friend Rob Burrow, who died from the disease in June this year.

On the final day, Kevin will make his way from Salford to an Extra Mile event at Etihad Campus, before heading to his home town of Saddleworth in time for the massive Santa Dash event.

He knows that the final day of the challenge will be, in his words, “brutal”.

His target is to raise £777,777.

The significance of the number 7 being the number of Rob’s jersey when he played for Leeds Rhinos throughout his illustrious career.

Joining Kevin on the final Extra Mile challenge at Etihad Campus Athletics stadium in Manchester will be Olympian Beth Tweddle who’s is a supporter and actor Peter Ash, whose character had MND in Coronation Street, as well as other members of the MND community.

Talking about the challenge, Kevin said: "I know why I’m here now.

"I’m here to help the MND community and to finally realise that at the age of 40 has been very special.

“These challenges have opened my eyes to MND.

"All over the country there are families going through what the Burrow family has been through and I want to keep trying to help.

"The money the Government has given is just for research but we need to think about the human side too and keep looking after everybody."

This is the fifth challenge that Kevin has taken on, but the first without his friend and inspiration - Rob Burrow.

Speaking about doing this without Rob there, he said: "I miss his humour, I miss him every day.

"I’ll miss his texts every evening and it will be emotional.

“But he would want us to continue this fight.

"He would want us to rip into this challenge with a smile on our faces.

"He’s at the heart of this and I want to make sure we represent him and his family in the right way."

Sally Hughes, Director of Services and Partnerships at the MND Association, said: "Thanks to Kev and the enormous success of his challenges, millions more people are aware of the devastating impact motor neurone disease has on individuals and their families.

“With that in mind, we’ve been determined to use the money raised to improve the care and support people living with MND can expect to receive through our care centre network and through the development of dedicated support for children and young people whose lives have been turned upside by MND.

“With Kev’s support, the MND Association has been able to help many more people and families affected by MND and we couldn’t be more grateful to him and his team for everything they are doing to help us further this vital work.”

You can donate to Kevin's fund-raising Give as you Live page by simply clicking the link here

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