Kevin Sinfield delivers important message ahead of fund-raising challenge starting

Kevin Sinfield is ready for the start of his Running Home For Christmas fund-raising challenge today - and highlighted the need to keep raising funds and awareness regarding motor neurone disease.

Inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, Sinfield will start the challenge at 9.30am in Liverpool this morning. It includes him taking part in the city’s annual BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.

Asked what his message is to people as he runs through the streets, Sinfield replied: "A big thank you, a huge thank you, for the support that has already gone on for the MND community for the challenges we've done. We've been overwhelmed with the support that we've had.

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"But this doesn't stop here now. This has to continue because the money and awareness is crucial if we are really going to fix and cure this disease."

Sinfield was also asked if he is amazed by how difficult it can be for people with MND to receive treatment needed, still in 2024, and he replied: "Yes. That's why we've got to keep going. Because unfortunately, whether we like it or not, I don't think we've put enough money, research, time, energy into trying to find a cure for MND. While that is the case, do we sit back and let this happen or do we try to change? Our team are passionate about that."

He added: "It devastates families. And in 2024 this just shouldn't be allowed. But I do understand that there are a number of other terrible diseases and illnesses out there that are in a tough spot too. We've got to help everyone, haven't we? We've got to try.

"Our passion is around the MND community. But at every point we have asked people if they can support people or do their little bit, and their little bit can be towards anything that matters to them - it can be under Rob's name regarding MND, it can be supporting a cancer sufferer, it can be supporting someone with dementia."

This will be the first time that Sinfield has taken part in one of these challenges since Burrow passed away. Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and their three children.

Sinfield said: "Lindsey is a Superwoman. To do what she did and look after Rob for that period of time, bring three kids up, continue with her job, run marathons, I tip my hat to her. She's probably the most inspirational female out there at the minute and has been for some time, and I know there are a lot of inspirational females out there."

Regarding those who will be around him for the runs this week, he said: "I want this week to be the best week of the year for them. I want them to finish and be glowing like the Ready Brek man and feel like they have achieved something and for them to have memories that are really special to them."

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