Leeds Rhinos fan Isaac, eight, in run challenge to help MND Association

Isaac had set himself a target running a mile a day for seven days, but decided to keep running every day - including Christmas Day - for a total of seven weeks.

And Isaac, who plays for Batley Boys ARLFC, has raised more than £3,000 for the MND Association after finishing his challenge on Sunday. (Jan 24)

Isaac clocked a total of 50 miles on Sunday after running from the Rob Burrow mural in Leeds City Centre to Emerald Headingley Stadium.

He even had enough energy left to do a lap of the Headingley pitch with team mascot Ronnie the Rhino.

Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield sent Isaac a good luck message before he set off on his final run.

Kevin inspired Isaac when he completed his own 7 in 7 Challenge back in December, running seven marathons in seven days and raising over £2.6m.

Isaac said, “It is amazing to have finished. It has been really enjoyable.

"The best bit was definitely running at the stadium with Ronnie the Rhino, that was great.

"I am really proud to have raised so much money. My friends have told me I have done a great job. It was fun running in the snow."

Isaac’s dad Richard said his son went to his first Rhinos game aged six months.

The father and son have been to two grand finals together and go to home and away matches, when Covid restrictions allow.

Richard said: “The whole family are really proud of his achievements.

"It is not just about the money he has raised but the awareness he has gained for MND and Rob Burrow.

"We started doing a bit of running during lockdown with all his usual after school clubs closed and he wouldn’t run much further than the end of the road.

"But on his final day he has run over two miles and he could probably keep going. He has inspired the whole family to get out running.”

Sam Horner from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “On behalf of everyone at the Rhinos and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, we would like to congratulate Isaac.

"He is a been a huge inspiration throughout these 49 days. He is a great guy, I call him a little big guy and we are so proud of him in the community game too.”

And Isaac is not resting on his laurels, he is already working on plans for his next fundraising initiative.

Isaac said: “We are looking to do a mile a day on bikes for seven days next and then in the summer we are hoping to arrange a tournament with seven teams playing seven minutes each half.”

Jenn Dodd, MND regional fundraiser for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Isaac has completed his gruelling seven week challenge.

"Isaac's dedication to run through the wind, rain and snow day in, day out is remarkable and mirrors the grit and determination of his heroes, Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow.

"Isaac's support will help the MND Association continue its work - funding vital research for a cure, campaigning and raising awareness of MND and providing vital support services to those living with and affected by the disease.

"On behalf of the MND community I would like to say a big thank you to Isaac – we are truly grateful. His daily updates and video have also inspired others to get involved, which is just fantastic.”