A RUGBY league legend was given a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Bradford as part of an epic charity running challenge.

Former Leeds Rhinos star Kevin Sinfield’s week-long Ultra 7 in 7 challenge reached the home of Bradford City, Valley Parade, today to end the sixth day of his charity feat.

Starting last weekend, Sinfield, 42, is running around 40 miles for seven consecutive days en route to Old Trafford in Manchester in a bid to raise £777,777 for five motor neurone disease charities (MND) charities.

He arrived at the home of the Bantams through the player’s tunnel and onto the pitch as a crowd in one of the stadium’s stands cheered him on.

As he entered the ground, Sinfield hugged former Bradford City right-back and captain Stephen Darby, who himself was diagnosed with MND in September 2018.

Sinfield said: “The team have been absolutely incredible. They are as good a team as I have been in.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Stephen Darby and Kevin Sinfield in discussion on the pitch at Valley ParadeFrom left, Stephen Darby and Kevin Sinfield in discussion on the pitch at Valley Parade (Image: PA)

“Stephen has been awesome in his campaigning for MND. Seeing Stephen here shows us what it means.

“It is really nice to be here in Bradford and everyone knows why we’re here."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kevin Sinfield and Stephen Darby embrace Kevin Sinfield and Stephen Darby embrace (Image: PA)

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, who was at Valley Parade today, said: “What he (Sinfield) has done is absolutely immense.

“It is an example to everyone of what friendship means between him and Rob Burrow.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kevin Sinfield looks towards the crowd who came to see him at Valley ParadeKevin Sinfield looks towards the crowd who came to see him at Valley Parade (Image: PA)

“The amount Kevin has raised could make a really big difference.”

Members of the City first-team squad were among those to cheer on Sinfield when he reached the stadium.

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City chief executive, said: “We were delighted to help Kevin out.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The crowd at Valley Parade cheer Kevin Sinfield on after he entered the stadiumThe crowd at Valley Parade cheer Kevin Sinfield on after he entered the stadium (Image: Newsquest)

“Kevin is an incredible athlete. Stephen (Darby) is a big friend to us at the football club. MND is a condition close to us. We want to help fight that.

“To have Kevin here today is an absolute honour for our football club.”

Sinfield will get his seventh and final day underway from Valley Parade, heading to Centenary Square and Manchester Road, both in Bradford, on Saturday morning, reaching his challenge destination, Old Trafford, in time for half-time of the men’s rugby league World Cup final.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kevin Sinfield shouts to the crowd at Valley Parade after completing day six of his ultra marathon challengeKevin Sinfield shouts to the crowd at Valley Parade after completing day six of his ultra marathon challenge (Image: PA)

The Ultra 7 in 7 challenge will support five charities, including and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds, which all support people affected by MND, and invest in research to find a cure for the disease.

Go to donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield-ultra-7-in-7-challenge to make a donation.

 

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.