It’s been well documented on social media, on television and in print, but Kevin Sinfield’s seven marathons in seven days has become an incredible news story that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.

The former Leeds Rhinos star first broached the idea of seven grueling marathons in seven days in order to raise £77,777 for former teammate Rob Burrow – who wore the number seven at their club, Leeds – and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (the MNDA). Rob, of course, was diagnosed with the disease in December 2019.

An incredible professional on the field, Sinfield earned the respect of teammates and rivals alike. But, he’s now broke the glass ceiling of nationwide publicity with an unbelievable effort for a lifelong friend.The duo performed together from the late 1990s – as they came through the Rhinos academy – up until 2015 when Sinfield retired from the game. In that time, they won seven Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups. Burrow later retired in 2017 after a final hurrah in that year’s Grand Final.

That Leeds’ ‘Golden Generation’ was a thorn in the rest of Super League’s side and it’s this kind of brotherhood on show from Sinfield that explains just why. One marathon is no mean feat, but to complete seven in as many days is an exceptional sporting achievement.

Have you been inspired by Kevin Sinfield? He’s got a message for you.

Take on your very own #7in7 challenge – run or walk your chosen distance over seven consecutive days and help families affected by motor neurone disease.

Visit 👉 https://t.co/ceSGPJSDWm to join the team! pic.twitter.com/lUj9dpAz80

— MND Association (@mndassoc) December 10, 2020

So far, the total raised stands at over £2.4 million – an amount that will do incredible things for a charity that does not gain as much coverage as it perhaps should. A debilitating illness, there is currently no cure for MND which makes fundraising such as Sinfield’s, even more important.

Rob and his wife Lindsey have been so appreciative of all the support he has garnered in the past year, and, with three young children below the ages of six, Sinfield’s effort will help the Burrow family organize a much more stable future.

Both Sinfield and Burrow were one-club men whose loyalty to the Leeds club was unwavering, but their loyalty to each other has become, arguably, one of the greatest moments of 2020.