Kevin Sinfield smashed through the £1.4million barrier as he completed his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge at Old Trafford at half-time in the men’s Rugby League World Cup final between Australia and Samoa.
Sinfield received the raucous acclaim of the near-capacity crowd in the stadium, having exceeded his initial fundraising target of £777,777 in aid of motor neurone disease earlier in the day. The 42-year-old completed his seven back-to-back ultra-marathons inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, along with with former Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir and ex-Bradford City captain Stephen Darby, who also live with the disease.
He said: “The full rugby league community have got behind the MND community. I can’t thank you enough. It’s all about friendship and the love for Rob. I know everybody feels the same way I do about Rob Burrow. If we can all try to be a better friend from time to time, we can all have a bit of a better place to live in.
Read more: 'Everybody needs a friend like Kevin' says Lindsey Burrow in emotional tribute to Leeds Rhinos star
“It’s a just a massive thank you. We’ve met some incredible people. It shows our country cares. I can’t thank people enough. They’ve given their support and voted with their money as well.”
The marathon began in Edinburgh on November 10 and finished at Old Trafford where he arrived at halftime during the Rugby League World Cup men's final. While he had aimed to raise £777,777, his donation page shows that he has raised £1,478,515.53.
Leeds Rhinos have said they are “proud” of his achievements. They tweeted: “He did it. Unbelievable achievement and over £1,400,000 raised for #MND. We are so proud.”
Kevin was described by Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s wife, as a “special” human and she also added: “everyone needs a friend like Kev.”
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