Tigers defence coach Kevin Sinfield has shown remarkable strength and resilience to complete a mammoth 101 miles running in 24-hours to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
The run was completed to bring wider attention the the disease after his friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed in December 2019.
Awareness for the degenerative illness had increased massively in recent years with rugby stars Joost van der Westhuizen and Doddie Weir both being diagnosed. Unfortunately the former died in 2017, the year Burrow retired from League as a Grand Final winner.
Sinfield, who joined Tigers in the summer after a legendary career spanning 19 years and crossing both codes within the sport, ran the challenge in 7km blocks from Welford Road to Leeds, seven being Burrow’s number during his illustrious career.
The run finished at Headingley Stadium in Leeds where Sinfield and Burrow were teammates, sharing seven Grand Final triumphs and two Challenge Cups together.
He crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with Burrow’s daughter Maisie having completed the challenge and went straght over to his friend Rob, embracing him before describing the challenge to the media, he explained:
“It’s been a real team effort from all the crew and I wouldn’t have got it done without them,” Sinfield told BBC Breakfast after finishing at Headingley.
“The support along the route has been incredible right from the start. It was certainly a battle – we wanted a battle and we certainly got one.
“I’m broken – I don’t know when I’ll be able to run again.
“Rob knows how much we love and care about him. For those really dark moments you have to think of Rob.”
Burrow also spoke about his friend and thanked him for raising awareness for the illness that affects the brain and nervous system:
“Thanks so much to all involved with this amazing event. The money raised will help people to get great facilities for a new care centre and to help find a cure for MND,” Burrow told BBC Breakfast.
“Today is a an amazing day for the whole community and will benefit every sufferer.
“Lastly, to my amazing friend Kev, you don’t realise the impact you have had on me and the whole MND community.”
Sinfield returns to his coaching role with Tigers next week following this weekend’s bye week as the Premiership resumes following the international window as he looks to help continue the team’s unbeaten start.
You can donate to the challenge here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfields-the-extra-mile-challenge
Here is what other Tigers had to say:
