Sir Kevin Sinfield and his team have arrived in West Yorkshire for Day 3 of 'The Grand Finale' 7 in 7 challenge, running an ultra-marathon from York to Wakefield to support those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Having set off from Hull on Sunday (September 27), the team is undertaking seven ultra-marathons across seven consecutive days, visiting all 12 English Super League grounds on their journey toward the finish line at Old Trafford ahead of the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
Day 3 saw the team depart Bishopthorpe Palace in York at 8:40am, pushing through 7km hourly legs before finishing at Wakefield Trinity's DIY Kitchens Stadium at 3:45 pm.
A central stop on today's route took place at Castleford Tigers' Wheldon Road training ground, where members of the MND community gathered to join Sinfield for an "Extra Mile" leg.
Among those taking part at Wheldon Road was former TV executive producer Matthew Cox, who was diagnosed with MND last year and recently walked the final eight miles of the Great North Run as an act of defiance against the disease.
He was joined by Andrew Gough, who lives with MND and actively fundraises for the MND Association, alongside Nottinghamshire volunteer Rob Tiffney, who has raised more than £50,000 after being inspired by Rob Burrow CBE and Sir Kevin Sinfield.
Across West Yorkshire alone, 202 people are currently known to be living with MND, with local health and social care professionals supported at The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds.
To date, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 challenges have raised more than £6.6 million for the MND Association and partner charities. The funding raised from this year's challenge will be split between six MND charities.
According to the MND Association, the funds raised so far have delivered tangible clinical and personal support:
- £3.38 million in Research: Direct funding driving nine major research projects seeking potential new treatments and a cure.
- Research Nurse Network: £458,000 spent establishing 17 dedicated research nurses across regional care centres to give patients easier access to clinical trials.
- Direct Family Support Funds: Over £1 million distributed in support grants to ease the financial burden on families, alongside dedicated programs for affected children and young people.
"Sir Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 challenges really demonstrate what extraordinary teamwork and determination can achieve, particularly when it comes to fighting a disease like MND," said Dr. Mike Rogers, Director of Research Innovation at the MND Association.
"The money Sir Kevin and the team have raised is driving nine research projects and has helped us establish our research nurse network. More importantly, it offers real hope for a world free from MND."
Take a look at our bumper gallery of images of Day 3 of the 7 in 7: The Grand Finale
4. 7 in 7: The Grand Finale - Day 3
Pictured: Scott Merrylees, (left), former Express chief photographer and YP photographer, who was diagnosed with MND, at today's event with his son Alex. | James Hardisty
5. 7 in 7: The Grand Finale - Day 3
Sir Kevin Sinfield arriving at the Castleford Tigers ground. | James Hardisty
