Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield plotting next fundraising challenge after 'best week of life'

The Leeds Rhinos legend has become a fundraising hero since hanging up his boots, completing three logic-defying challenges in the space of two years in aid of a cause close to his heart.

Ever since former Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in late 2019, Sinfield has led from the front as he did throughout the golden era at Headingley.

In late 2020, Sinfield ran seven marathons in seven days and followed it up by completing 101 miles in 24 hours last year.

A week on from receiving a hero's welcome at Old Trafford at the end of his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge, in excess of £2million has been raised to take the total figure beyond £7m.

After nursing an injury back to health which he carried through the final two legs, Sinfield would no doubt have been ready to run back the other way to Edinburgh if asked.

"I've got a slightly angry Achilles but I think I got off pretty lightly," he said.

"It was worth every single step. It was the best week of my life.

"It was really tough, a difficult challenge, but I was with such wonderful people and met so many incredible people along the way who were so happy to see us. Some were a little bit teary because they understood what we were doing.

"The great thing about last week is we got the opportunity to provide hope for a community that has been ravaged for years. MND isn't incurable; it's just been underfunded.

"We've worked on that magic number seven ever since we started and we're over £7million now when you add the three together. That's unbelievable. The support has been incredible."

Sinfield is no stranger to the acclaim of an Old Trafford crowd but the raucous reception he received after emerging from the tunnel at half-time during the men's World Cup final was a match for any of his seven Grand Final triumphs with Leeds.

His standout highlight, though, was arriving in York at the end of a 72km slog in wretched conditions.

"There were some really special moments throughout the week," said Sinfield.

"Old Trafford being one when we finished but it was like a scene from a Charles Dickens book when we arrived in York outside the Minster.

"It'd been our longest day in the rain, we were all exhausted and we arrive to Christmas lights outside the Minster and it just being packed.

"The emotion at that point of seeing so many smiley faces and tears of happiness is a memory I'll never forget."

Next for Sinfield and his selfless team is the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May.

The 42-year-old is already plotting another epic challenge, although he appears ready to discard his running shoes.

"When I addressed the group before we set off in Edinburgh I did say that this would probably be the last run," he said. "But I did caveat that by saying Rocky IV was my favourite Rocky.

"I'm not sure another big running challenge is where we should go. I do have some ideas on what the next one should look like.

"I was really keen for a mass participation event and the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon gives us a chance to do that.

"It's important we provide a legacy for Rob and something where people can come together alongside friends to run for friends, and it doesn't have to be for the MND community.

"That's what we tried to get across last week: I was just going on a run for a mate with a group of mates. That's what the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is about.

"All being well Rob will be on that start line and I'll push him around. It'll be an incredible day for people to come and show others how much they love and care for them, whatever charity they represent. We'll stand shoulder to shoulder to try and make lives better.

"Beyond that, I don't think it'll be another big running challenge – but I've certainly got another couple of challenges in me."

When he ended his rugby league career in 2015, Sinfield's place in the pantheon of all-time greats was assured.

The former England and Leeds captain has since become a national treasure thanks to his fundraising heroics and calls are growing for him to be knighted.

But Sinfield said with a smile: "Things have changed and less and less people want to talk to me about rugby, which is a good thing.

"The challenges have given me a chance to provide hope to so many people. There's no greater gift than that. It's so powerful.

"I don't want any rewards; I've had my rewards. The memories I've got, the people I've met and the difference I hope we can make is far greater than any reward could ever be.

"My big message is we can all do a little bit – and that's all we have to do. You don't have to do seven ultra-marathons but you could do seven of something under that banner.

"If it means something to you and is a sacrifice in some small way, you can get on board and try help people.”