Heroic Kevin Sinfield heads to London for final stage of ultramarathon challenge
Kevin Sinfield heads to London for the final part of his ultramarathon challenge for motor neurone disease after being treated to sunshine and blue skies on the penultimate leg in Brighton.
The 43 year-old, inspired by former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, is running every day for seven days in seven cities around Britain and Ireland. After being in Dublin on Tuesday, Sinfield returned to the English south coast on Wednesday, before Thursday's finale, which will end with him running up The Mall in London
Sinfield, who is currently England's rugby union defence coach, had battled bad weather but got a break from it on Wednesday morning as he left the American Express Stadium. Wednesday's run, which included the seafront, pier and marina, paid tribute to Brighton College chemistry teacher Pete Bellenger, who died from MND last year.
The 27-mile run added an extra mile at the end to encourage others to help their friends through tough times. "It has absolutely chucked it down and been freezing and windy, then we come to Brighton and get the sunshine and blue skies. We are really happy to be here and will give it our best shot," Sinfield said before setting off.
"We know what we are doing here. We are representing the beautiful community, trying to raise some awareness and funds to try and fund a cure, but we are also trying to change how people feel about the MND community and how people feel about each other.
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"It is not about running marathons, I know our team are doing it today, it is about trying to find a little bit where you can help somebody. If you can do that in the run up to Christmas, then we've done our job."
After completing the marathon distance, Sinfield met with supporters before then heading off again from Brighton Beach front for the extra mile.
Kevin Sinfield during day six of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge in Brighton (PA)"Well, good afternoon Brighton. It is supposed to be the sixth of December and it is like the sixth of July who has brought this for us today?," he said in a video posted on Leeds Rhinos' social media. "We have been in wind, we have been in rain, snow and been in hail stones we come here and you give us this, so thank you very much."
"The team have really enjoyed being here. We got in at midnight and everyone has been so welcoming and fantastic with us.
"We have loved running around the city. It has been brilliant, we have had a great time."
Kevin Sinfield arrives at Brighton College to complete day six (PA)Sinfield added: "What we have done the last few years as a team has been about raising awareness and funds for this beautiful community.
"But what I would say to you all is you do not have to run marathons, just do your little bit, just help in some way. There is always someone a lot worse off than you who needs our help, so let's keep fighting together."
The team had raised over £488,000 by the end of day six, which is 62 per cent of their £777,777 target. The final leg of the journey will start from Twickenham and finish in central London.
To donate to Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7 in 7 quest, visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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