Leeds Beckett turns out for Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final 7 in 7 challenge

Students and colleagues formed a guard of honour for Sir Kevin at the stadium, marking a special moment in the challenge for the two-time Leeds Beckett graduate and Honorary Doctor of the university.

Sir Kevin was joined on the trail by former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and football pundit and former England international Micah Richards, as the 7 in 7 team continued the fourth day of the Grand Finale.

Sir Kevin began 7 in 7: The Grand Finale with his team in Hull on Sunday 27 September. Together, they are completing an ultra-marathon every day for seven consecutive days.

The challenge will take the team to all 12 English Super League grounds before finishing at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October, ahead of the Betfred Super League Grand Final.

The Grand Finale marks a culmination of seven years of fundraising challenges, which have raised millions of pounds and brought national attention to MND, and the people and families affected by the disease.

For the university, it is also an opportunity to celebrate a long-standing relationship with Sir Kevin that goes far beyond sponsorship.

Over the years, colleagues from across the university have supported Sir Kevin and his team in a variety of ways, from sports science, performance testing and training guidance to route planning and practical support on the road. The university has also hosted events supporting Kevin's fundraising and the wider MND community.

Pete Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, is on the road with Sir Kevin and the team for the Grand Finale.

He said: “Being part of Sir Kevin's journey over the years has been an enormous privilege. We've seen first-hand the determination that goes into every challenge, but we've also seen something much bigger, the way he has brought people together around the MND community.

“Leeds Beckett has been proud to support Kevin in many ways over the years, whether that's through the expertise of our sports scientists, helping with preparations and routes, or being there as part of the team on the road.

“What has always driven everyone involved is the reason behind these challenges. Every mile is about people living with MND and their families. As we take on this final 7 in 7 challenge, that's very much at the front of our minds.”

Funds from the Grand Finale will be shared between charities supporting people affected by MND across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with the MND Association the main beneficiary.

The impact of Kevin and the team's fundraising is already being felt in MND research and in creating more opportunities for people living with the disease to participate in clinical trials.

Dr Mike Rogers, Director of Research Innovation at the MND Association, said:

“Sir Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 challenges really demonstrate what extraordinary teamwork and determination can achieve particularly when it comes to fighting a disease like MND.

“The money Sir Kevin and the team has raised on behalf of the MND Association is now driving nine research projects and has helped us to establish our research nurse network, giving people with MND the opportunity to take part in clinical trials much more easily.

“This is real progress which will continue to have a lasting impact on the work we do. More importantly, it offers real hope for a world free from MND. Thank you, Sir Kevin – we couldn’t be more grateful for your support.”

Each day of the Grand Finale is divided into 7km blocks. The challenge also includes the Extra Mile, giving members of the MND community the opportunity to join Kevin and his team to complete a mile together and ensuring that people affected by the disease remain at the heart of the challenge.

Motor neurone disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease. Six people are diagnosed with MND every day and six people die from the disease. There is currently no cure.

MND attacks and damages the nerves that carry messages to the muscles. Within months, a person may lose their voice, movement and, ultimately, their ability to breathe.

A third of people with MND die within a year of diagnosis and more than half within two years. The disease can affect people from all backgrounds and of all ages, although it is more prevalent in men and the risk increases with age.

If you would like to support Sir Kevin Sinfield in his challenge, please donate here.