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Leeds Beckett University Honorary Graduate Kevin Sinfield raises more than 2 million in Ultra 7 in 7 challenge
Starting on Sunday 13 November, Kevin ran more than 60km per day for seven days from Edinburgh to Manchester, raising funds for five charities that support people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and invest in research to bring us closer to effective treatments and a cure for the disease.
Kevin started his epic journey from Murrayfield Stadium making his way through Scotland, and the north of England before arriving at Old Trafford during the Men’s Rugby League World Cup final.
Throughout the challenge Kevin was joined by fellow LBU graduates Alistair Brownlee MBE and Gemma Bonner, as well as former Leeds Rhinos teammates, and Leeds Beckett graduates, Jamie Peacock MBE and Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE.
On day 6 Kevin ran alongside Alistair, Gemma and Jamie Jones-Buchanan as they made their way through Leeds passing Leeds Beckett’s city campus, before arriving at Headingley Stadium to greet Rob Burrow MBE.
Inspired by fellow Honorary Graduate and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow MBE, Kevin raised more than 2 million for MND and has surpassed more than 7 million throughout the three years including his 7 in 7 and extra mile challenges.
The main beneficiaries will be the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds. There will also be donations to MND Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation plus support for the 4ED campaign to support former Gloucester and Leicester Rugby Union player Ed Slater.
The routes for the ultra marathons were devised by academics and PhD students from Carnegie School of Sport and Carnegie Great Outdoors. Senior Research Fellow, Dr Barney Wainwright also provided Kevin with guidance on his training in preparation for the challenge.
Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, said “As a three-time graduate of our university we are very proud of Kevin’s many accomplishments, as a player, a coach, and now through his work to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease. Our sporting community is founded on the altruistic actions of so many people, and Kevin is a true role model for everyone, supporting his good friend, Rob burrow and the broader MND community.’’
"The kindness of the people we met along our journey to Old Trafford, the stories they shared, and the hope they felt as a result of the challenge will be permanently etched in the team who supported Kevin. As an academic community with a desire to make a difference, I hope our involvement in this challenge will help inspire our students, alumni and colleagues."
You can still donate to the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge online.