Leeds Rhinos' Kevin Sinfield announces fifth challenge

Kevin Sinfield's latest challenge will see him race against the clock over the course of a week

Former Leeds Rhinos player Kevin Sinfield has announced his fifth challenge to raise money for a motor neurone disease charity.

He will cover 31 miles (50km) every day for a week in honour of former teammate Rob Burrow, who has had the condition since 2019, and for MND Association.

The theme is "Running Home for Christmas" and Mr Sinfield will start in Liverpool on 1 December.

"In its simplest form, we're just trying to help a mate," he said.

The route will then move on to Wrexham, Gloucester, Bristol, Belfast, Stirling, Glasgow, Hull, Northampton - where MND is based - Leicester and finally, Manchester.

Mr Sinfield and his team will attempt to race against the clock and complete each days' distance in 4.3 miles (7km) blocks which will start on the hour, every hour.

He said: "To see the fight in Rob and the inspiration he's given so many people across the UK is incredible. So we all thank him for that."

Kevin Sinfield (right) with Rob and Lindsey Burrow and their children at the Leeds Marathon

So far, Mr Sinfield has raised more than £8m for MND from his various challenges, including the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge where he ran an ultra-marathon every day for seven days in seven cities in December 2023.

The number seven is a recurring theme because Mr Burrow wore the number 7 on his shirt throughout his career.

Both Mr Sinfield and Mr Burrow, 41, received a CBE in the New Year's Honours List for their charity work, which was presented to them by the Prince of Wales.

Mr Sinfield said that his friend "cheekily" asked the prince if he would open the MND Centre in Leeds and he agreed.

He continued: "I love spending time with Rob, he makes me laugh and the fight and courage he has shown is and what bravery really looks like."

Prince William awarded Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield their CBEs

Mr Sinfield also invited Prince William to join them "on any part of the route".

He added: "It is a special time of year for our challenges.

"We always say that people like to see us battling through the elements but for us it is wonderful to arrive in cities with the Christmas lights up and everyone feeling good.

"The MND community are always in our thoughts but especially at that time of year when families are going through tough times."