Rugby-league great inspires Heaton

Tom Heaton was at Salford City’s AIG Stadium on Friday morning, supporting Sir Kevin Sinfield in his remarkable ‘7 in 7: The Grand Finale’ charity bid.

The rugby-league great has become one of the country’s most prominent charity fundraisers since retiring in 2015, having generated over £11 million for causes associated with motor neurone disease.

Sinfield was knighted earlier this year for his charity work, which initially began in support of former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow.

Burrow died from complications related to motor neurone disease in 2024 but Sinfield has continued his charity challenges, with his seventh and final effort seeing him run seven ultra-marathons in the space of seven days.

The route has taken in iconic rugby league venues across Yorkshire and the North West, with Sir Kevin starting in Hull, before travelling through York, Leeds and Bradford.

Heaton was there for the beginning of leg six, starting at the Ammies’ ground and concluding at St Helens’ BrewDog Stadium later.

Heaton supports Sinfield in charity bid

Heaton supports Sinfield in charity bid

Sinfield will complete the challenge on Saturday, when Old Trafford hosts the Super League Grand Final between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity.

He will deliver the match ball for the game and it will be a poignant moment for the 46-year-old, with son Jack set to feature for first-time finalists Wakefield.

“He’s an inspirational human being,” said Tom, who shared a hug with Sinfield before he embarked on his latest run.

“To go through what he's going through there and continuing the run has been amazing, so to be here today to support him on day six of seven of this challenge is a great moment.”

HOW TO DONATE

‘7 in 7: The Grand Finale’ has already helped raise over £1 million for motor neurone disease charities.

If you wish, you can make a donation here.