Former rugby player raises funds for MND in Jersey

Kevin Sinfield visited Jersey for a fun run fundraising event

A total of 250 islanders ran alongside a former England rugby player to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) association.

Runners took on a 5km (3.2 mile) fun run along the waterfront in St Helier on Wednesday with former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Kevin Sinfield who has raised more than £10m for the charity since 2019 in honour of his friend Rob Burrow.

The Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league player died in 2024 at 41-years-old, having lived with MND since being diagnosed in late 2019.

Sinfield said he was "really honoured" to be in Jersey to continue his fundraising efforts.

He said: "We got a wonderful welcome and to see so many people and kids taking part, we're really, really delighted.

"Just a massive thank you from the MND community, from our team, from everybody here in Jersey, what a team effort."

MND is a condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system and leads to muscle weakness, the NHS says. It is currently life-shortening with no cure.

Part of his fundraising efforts previously have included running 101 miles (162 km) in 24-hours and pushing Burrow in a wheelchair at the Leeds Marathon.

Sinfield is set to complete his seventh ultra-marathon with a community Christmas race in December.

Jersey RFC Director of Rugby Myles Landick said having Sinfield running for MND in the island was inspirational.

He said: "I think it's massive, not just for me but for the island to have such an inspirational character over.

"What he's achieved and what he continues to achieve can hopefully inspire many more."

A total of 250 people ran amongst Sinfield on Wednesday

Don Connolly from Jersey's MND said he was really pleased with the support they received from islanders.

"To see 250 very keen children and adults ready to meet Kevin and start running around the waterfront was absolutely brilliant," he said.

Student Barnaby said: "it was just fun... running with Kevin, I like to run as well so that helps in a way". Another student, Felix, said the experience was "pretty crazy to be honest".

"He's very well known and it's really cool."