Kevin Sinfield starts last leg of 230-mile MND run at Old Trafford

Sinfield runs across Salford Quays after leaving BBC Breakfast studio on Saturday morning

BBC Sinfield in a Christmas-themed running vest jogs with fellow runners in Salford — Sinfield runs across Salford Quays after leaving BBC Breakfast studio on Saturday morning

Rugby star Kevin Sinfield has started the final leg of his 230-mile fundraising run for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

He set off from the BBC’s studio in Salford Quay just after 08:00 GMT before heading to Manchester United’s football stadium.

His latest nationwide challenge began in Liverpool last Sunday, in memory of his teammate Rob Burrow, who died with MND in June.

Sporting legends, including ex-footballer John Barnes and Olympian cycling couple Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, as well as members of the MND community, have joined Sinfield during his fifth annual fundraiser.

He said he was expecting “brutal” conditions but would be “battling on”, with Storm Darragh expected to bring strong winds to western parts of the country.

“To see schools come out and understand what MND is, to see schools talk about friendship and how to look after people properly, is a wonderful message for us to pass over.

“But it’s the money that’s going to change things,” said Sinfield, who agreed to remain as assistant coach for the England rugby union squad in October.

Firefighters formed a guard of honour at Craven Park stadium, in Hull, on the fifth day of Sinfield’s run

PA Media Firefighters form a guard of honour to applaud Kevin Sinfield, as he comes out of the players' tunnel at Craven Park on day five of his fundraising run. — Firefighters formed a guard of honour at Craven Park stadium, in Hull, on the fifth day of Sinfield’s run

British cycling legends Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny joined Sinfield for the leg touring East Yorkshire

PA Media Dame Laura, smiling in a black-and-white cycling helmet, rides a bike, with Sir Jason, Sinfield and other support runners alongside and behind her. Well-wishers surround the group. — British cycling legends Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny joined Sinfield for the leg touring East Yorkshire

On the final day of his Running Home for Christmas challenge, the Oldham-born star is set to run from Old Trafford to his Saddleworth home in the Pennine Hills.

The first leg of his seven-day endeavour began with a run between Liverpool and Wrexham, in north-east Wales, on Sunday, followed by a 60km (37-mile) run between Gloucester and Bristol.

Accompanied by a team of support runners, Sinfield then completed a series of 50km (31-mile) runs in and around Belfast, Glasgow, East Yorkshire and the East Midlands respectively.

He has so far raised about £700,000 for six MND charities to help tackle the impact of the incurable condition, which affects a person’s brain and nerves.

The Prince of Wales made Burrow and Sinfield CBEs at their former Leeds Rhinos ground in January this year

PA Media HRH Prince William, flanked by Burrow and Sinfield and their wives, with Burrow's two daughters and his son (playing on a mobile phone) in a team dressing room — The Prince of Wales made Burrow and Sinfield CBEs at their former Leeds Rhinos ground in January this year

Members of the MND community have also accompanied Sinfield along sections of the seven-day challenge

PA Media Dan Allinson, who has MND and is in a wheelchair, laughing with Sinfield alongside the pitch at Craven Park stadium, surrounded by other members of the MND community and supporters — Members of the MND community have also accompanied Sinfield along sections of the seven-day challenge

Rob Burrow retired from playing in 2017, following a glittering rugby career

PA Media Rob Burrow, holding his son with his daughters behind him, after playing in a testimonial match at Leeds in January 2020 — Rob Burrow retired from playing in 2017, following a glittering rugby career

Burrow, who was married with three children, was diagnosed with MND in 2019, after a successful rugby career which included eight Super League Grand Final victories.

He also won 15 England and five Great Britain caps.

Burrow died in June, at the age of 41.