Kevin Sinfield is running an ultramarathon for a cause close to his heart in Swansea on Wednesday
Kevin Sinfield spoke to BBC reporter, John Maguire, ahead of his fourth ultramarathon for MND(Image: BBC)
Residents in Swansea may spot a familiar figure running through the city today as Kevin Sinfield continues his week-long endurance challenge on a cold Wednesday morning.
Kevin – now an England rugby union coach – is attempting seven ultra-marathons in seven days – each in a place he has never run before. The former Leeds Rhinos star, who has already raised more than £10 million for motor neurone disease (MND) research, set off on his latest challenge earlier in the week.
So far Kevin has completed three of his challenges: the first in Bury St Edmunds, followed by Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium and then on to Cork yesterday. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
He told the Daily Star that he “didn’t know much about” MND before his former Great Britain and Leeds teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.
Seeing the disease progress in his friend spurred him to launch his fundraising efforts. Images of Kevin carrying Rob across the finish line of the Leeds Marathon became widely shared and helped raise national awareness.
There was a strong turnout at the Swansea.com Stadium early this morning, where Kevin appeared live on BBC Breakfast ahead of the run. Reporter John Maguire said he was joined by “dozens” of supporters who were already singing in the stands in true Welsh form.
With four days remaining, John noted the physical toll: “Things are falling off, things aren’t working the way they’re supposed to be – but the spirit was strong.”
Kevin, however, appeared in good spirits. Asked if he had slept well, he said: “Pretty good. We had a warm welcome last night.
“We have a lot of people here again to see us in south Wales. We’ve been in Wales before and we are delighted to be back.”
Before the run began, John spoke to members of the audience, including Ellis and Darren Millard. Ellis has a familial form of MND; he lost his mother to the disease, and his grandmother and uncle are also affected.
Darren Millard (left) and his son Ellis (middle) were there to support Kevin ahead of his run(Image: BBC)
Ellis recently began a new drug treatment which he openly discussed on the programme. “I started three doses four weeks ago. It stops any deterioration or slows it right down,” he said.
“I noticed a difference already. I am very lucky to get it, there are about 20 other people waiting.”
His father, Darren, described the challenges others face accessing the same treatment. “It is a postcode lottery unfortunately,” he said.
“There are so many and we’re fortunate Ellis’ consultant had the drugs and he fought to get it for Ellis.
“There are other people who have had to go to Germany and raise £150,000 to go – and that cannot be right.”
For Ellis, the medication has already made a practical difference, improving his mobility and helping him carry things around the house.
“There are highs and lows but it will save his life,” Darren said. “There is hope in the MND community.”
Ellis marked the start of Kevin’s run by banging the drum for a loud Welsh countdown, after which Kevin set off, running through a guard of honour and out into Swansea.
