BBC Breakfast fans were tearful as rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield completed a 101 mile run in 24 hours for charity.
The heroic 41-year-old, who is a rugby coach for Leicester Tigers, has now raised over £300,000 during the mammoth run.
Kevin embarked on the grueling run to raise money for motor neurone disease research after his best mate Rob Burrow – his ex-teammate at Leeds Rhinos – was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
The route, which he began on Monday (November 22), took him all the way from Welford Road in Leicester to Headingley in Leeds, the home of his former rugby league club – where he was a player for 18 years.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Kevin’s incredible last mile was captured live on BBC Breakfast during Tuesday’s show (November 23), and it saw Kevin surprised by a crowd of supporters at the rugby ground in Leeds.
The former captain was joined by Rob’s wife Lindsey and daughter during the final stretch of the run, and when he reached the ground, he was met with fireworks and cheers from his supporters.
An exhausted Kevin then he saw his pal Rob waiting for him – and the pair embraced as they shared Kevin’s emotional achievement together.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent, Kevin said: “The support along the route has been incredible – right from the start, and then seeing this here [gesturing to the crowd].”
(Image: PA)
When asked if he knew how difficult it was going to be, Kevin replied: “Probably not, no. It was certainly a battle. We wanted a battle and we got one, but we got here, and both Dave [David Spencer] and I are broken.”
He said that he didn’t know when he’d be able to run again before grinning as he added: “Maybe a couple of weeks”.
Sally asked him how important it was to complete the challenge for his friend Rob.
Kevin answered: “Yeah, he knows how much we love and care about him. To get a chance to show him again is wonderful.”
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
BBC viewers were emotional as they watched Kevin finish the run, with some Twitter fans in tears at his incredible feat.
One user said: “Well that’s my mascara gone What a legend. What a friend.” as they attached a crying emoji.
A second viewer wrote: “Wow, what a stunning effort by a truly amazing bloke. Very well done.”
A third fan commented: “Amazing achievement if anyone wrote a profile of what a good captain is, theyd just need to put a photo of this fella on. Top professional athlete putting himself to breaking point all for someone else.”
(Image: BBC)
A fourth said: “Cant find the words to describe this I’m 62 years old I haven’t cried this much in my life the love and respect shown here is beyond words. God bless you all wow. Absolutely amazing love and respect from Dublin Ireland”
A fifth said: “Amazing. And well done Sally, showing what a lovely presenter she is, real class”
A sixth added: “Such an inspiration. Friendship, loyalty and endurance. The world needs more people like Kev and rob!”
(Image: PA)
BBC Breakfast’s official Twitter account wrote: “He’s done it!! What a moment, what a man! Kevin Sinfield finishes his MAMMOTH 101 mile run in 24 hours.”
Kevin’s mate Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and Kevin raised a hefty £2.7m last year by running seven marathons in seven days.
His route this year was split into separate 7km sections, which he had to complete within 60 minutes.
The rugby star had set a target of £100,000 for his Extra Mile Challenge, but he already beat the total before starting the run at 08:40 GMT on Monday.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
