Kevin Sinfield completes MND ultra-marathon challenge

Rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has completed his latest epic fundraising challenge for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

The ex-Leeds Rhinos player was cheered on by crowds down the Mall in London and finished near Buckingham Palace.

The 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge has seen Sinfield run an ultra-marathon every day for seven days in seven cities.

After crossing the finish line, he said he and his team were "all pretty shot, we're all pretty tired".

"My feet look like they've been run over with a lawn-mower," he added.

Sinfield's seventh ultra-marathon in a row took in many of London's famous sites, including Piccadilly Circus

Sinfield has raised millions for charity since his former teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019.

Speaking to crowds on the Mall after completing the challenge, he said: "The MND community is a beautiful community and it needs all of us to keep fighting.

"The awareness we've generated this week has been enormous again, in Rob's name."

The challenge began on 1 December at Headingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds, with Sinfield and his team running to York Minster.

Sinfield ran seven ultra-marathons in seven days in seven cities, with London the final stage

They then moved on to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Brighton and London.

Each run consisted of a full marathon, with one added mile to signify the "extra mile" people could all go in order to help their friends in tough times.

The final challenge ended on The Mall in London on Thursday afternoon

At the end of the final leg, Sinfield said: "Fundraising is so important. That's the thing that's going to shift the dial for us - that's the thing that's going to get us a cure.

"Have a great Christmas, but spare a thought for those who are a bit less fortunate, and if you can help, please do it."

Sinfield and his team said they hoped the challenge would eventually raise £777,777, a reference to Burrow's number 7 shirt, with funds reaching almost £650,000 by late on Thursday afternoon.

Sinfield spoke to reporters outside Buckingham Palace following the end of the challenge

Funds raised will support the appeal for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.

Donations will also be made to the MND Association as well as the Irish MND Association, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and a foundation set up by former Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir, who died from the condition last year.