Kevin Sinfield pays emotional tribute to Doddie Weir as latest challenge goes on

05 December 2023 , 08:54

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Kevin Sinfield pays emotional tribute to Doddie Weir as latest challenge goes on

Kevin Sinfield fought back the tears as he dedicated completing the latest stage of his incredible new challenge to the late Doddie Weir.

Sinfield, 43, is continuing to raise awareness and vital funds to help defeat motor neurone disease, which fellow rugby icon Weir passed away from in November 2022. Former Leeds Rhinos captain Sinfield, whose close friend Rob Burrow is also battling MND, is running seven ultra-marathons in seven days across seven cities in December.

Having already completed races in Leeds, Cardiff and Birmingham, day four was in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital where Weir made himself a hero for the national side. "Look here, look what you've done for us," Sinfield joked as he and his fellow runners stood in Murrayfield Stadium with the rain pouring.

"I said to Kathy [Weir's wife] when we did the extra mile, 'The big man's upstairs, he's done this on purpose and he's laughing at us'. Good on him. It's been an honour again to be in Edinburgh, despite the weather. You guys have come out and supported us, been out on the route when it's been like this, so thank you. You know why we're here. The big man started it all off, his impact on Rob."

Sinfield then needed to take an emotional pause. "Go on, Kev!" responded the crowd, many of whom are part of the My Name'5 Doddie foundation, with cheers and applause swirling around the England Rugby Union coach in an emphatic show of support.

Kevin Sinfield goes extra mile for MND sufferers as he brings hope to Rob Burrow

"A friendship started between the two of them," Sinfield went on to say of Weir and Burrow. "I gained one as well, so you guys have done a wonderful job banging the drum for some time now. Forget the code of rugby, forget what it is, let's keep trying to make a difference.

"The big message throughout all we've done, and it's been difficult for us, trying to understand what success looks like this time because this is number four for us. The awareness is great and the fundraising is enormous because we know that's the thing that's gonna shift the dial and get us a cure.

"But it's ultimately about how you make people feel as well. I think that would be a big message from Doddie and certainly would be from Rob. If we make people care a little bit more about each other, then the world will be a far better place for us to live.

"I can't thank you enough for your support. We're gonna get in a hot bath - probably get told not long after we have to be in a cold bath! Thank you once again, it's been an honour to be here."

Nathan Ridley