Kevin Sinfield smashes fundraising target on day one of his multi-marathon mission for Rob Burrow and MND Association

The ex-Rhinos and England captain said he was overwhelmed to have surpassed his £77,777 target during his first marathon this morning - with the current total standing at over £92,000 as donations continue to flood in.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I can't thank people enough. We thought the target was going to be a real push to hit and to be able to do it the first morning is completely overwhelming."

Sinfield said receiving regular fundraising updates "really picked us up" along the way and added to the excitement of the run which was completed in speedy three hours 40 minutes.

Admitting it was a little quicker than he would have liked, Sinfield said: "[It was] probably a bit too quick. I think the start didn't help because we were freezing.

"We set off and I was checking my watch to make sure we didn't go too quick. I think just trying to get warm probably set us off on that path."

He said after an ice bath later tonight and a good meal and sleep, he'll be "ready to go" for day two two of his fundraising mission to raise funds and awareness for his former teammate Burrow who was diagnosed with MND, a debilitating and incurable disease, 12 months ago.

Sinfield added: "I just want to thank everyone. The support has been absolutely immense and to see that and hear the justgiving site was ticking over was absolutely overwhelming for all of us."

Five of the runs will take place around Sinfield’s home town of Oldham and Greater Manchester and two in Leeds.

In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, the routes are not being publicised and well-wishers are urged to show their support virtually and online through sponsorship donations.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sinfield-7-in-7 or text MNDROB to 70085 to donate £7 – texts cost £7, plus one standard rate message.

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