Ex-Rugby Player Launches Fundraiser for MND in Jersey

250 Islanders Join Former Rugby Star in Jersey MND Fundraiser

A total of 250 runners took part in a 5km fun run along St Helier’s waterfront on Wednesday, alongside former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league player Kevin Sinfield, to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

Sinfield, who has raised over £10 million for MND since 2019 in honour of his late friend Rob Burrow, said he was “really honoured” to be in Jersey.

“To see so many people and kids taking part, we’re really, really delighted. Just a massive thank you from the MND community,” he said.

MND progressively damages the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, and is currently life-shortening with no cure, the NHS says.

Sinfield’s previous fundraising challenges have included running 101 miles in 24 hours and pushing Burrow in a wheelchair at the Leeds Marathon. He is set to complete his seventh ultra-marathon at a community Christmas race in December.

Jersey RFC Director of Rugby Myles Landick described Sinfield’s visit as “massive” for the island and inspiring for the community.

Don Connolly from Jersey’s MND added: “To see 250 keen children and adults ready to meet Kevin and start running around the waterfront was absolutely brilliant.”

Students taking part described the experience as “fun” and “pretty crazy” to run alongside a rugby legend.