Scotstoun Cheers For Rugby Hero
Kevin Sinfield's latest challenge included a visit to Glasgow and came with a fitting finishline...
Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield CBE has completed the Scottish leg of his latest fundraising challenge - to run more than 230 miles in seven days across seven regions of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Glasgow played host to the fundraising superstar on Wednesday (4 December) and the city's people came out in force to show support.
This is Kevin's fifth annual challenge, having already raised almost £10million for the MND community in memory of his friend Rob Burrow. The challenge has been named Running Home For Christmas, as the seventh and final day of the run will end in Sinfield’s home area of Saddleworth.
Each day has been broken down into 7K blocks – the number seven is always central to Kevin’s charity challenges in recognition of his friend and former team mate who wore the number during his glittering career at Leeds Rhinos.
Kevin has already run from Liverpool to Wrexham, Gloucester to Bristol as well as a route in Belfast and he is yet to cover Beverley to Hull, Northampton to Leicester, and Old Trafford to Saddleworth.
The Scottish leg kicked off at Ibrox before heading to Celtic Park and Firhill with a fitting finish at Glasgow's home of rugby - Scotstoun Stadium where thoughts turned to the legendary Doddie Weir, who was a great friend and inspiration to Sinfield and Burrow before he passed away in 2022.
Scotstoun Primary school children were there en masse to cheer Kevin to the finishline, and fine of voice they were too! P7 pupil, Sebastian Sylvester, said: "I love rugby and think what Kevin is doing is just amazing. It is inspiring for kids like us, but for grown ups too. It was really cool to see him so close to where I live."
Speaking before his run on Wednesday, Sinfield said: “Our visits to Scotland are always very special. Doddie was such an inspiration to us all and he is always on our mind during each challenge. Our running top that day will feature Doddie’s famous tartan, which we are always proud to wear.
“I am pleased to be raising money for MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation once again this year. Given all the connections to MND to the sporting clubs in the city, I think this will be a very special day and I look forward to seeing everyone as we go around Glasgow.”
If you'd like to know more, you can visit the donation page here.
Image: Louise Sylvester