'Nerves are setting in' for Kevin Sinfield as he prepares to run seven marathons in seven days for Rob Burrow and MND Association

The ex-Rhinos and England captain is aiming to run seven marathons in seven days from Tuesday, December 1 - each in under four hours - to raise funds and awareness for his former teammate Burrow who was diagnosed with the debilitating and incurable disease 12 months ago.

The number seven is synonymous with Burrow as the number he wore throughout his career and was the spark for the fundraising idea by Sinfield, who will also begin each marathon at 7am and finish his quest on December 7.

His initial aim is fittingly to raise £77,777 for the fund set up to support Rob and his young family of three children under eight plus additional funds for MND Association - and the current total raised already stands at just over £40,000.

Kevin said: "The nerves are beginning to set in now but it is an exciting challenge. I know there will be tough times throughout the week but it is nothing compared to what Rob and his family are going through."

He added: "The support we have already received has been incredible.

"We have already reached 50 per cent of our target, which is amazing before we have even run a mile.

"Leeds Beckett University have been a huge help in planning all the routes and we have been able to make sure everyone in our small team has had a Covid antigen test to make sure we are all safe to take part thanks to Super League’s testing partner Screen4.

“Looking at the forecast, it looks like it will be a chilly and wet week but knowing we have the support of so many people will make every step that little bit easier."

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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