I #RunForRob because…

“Kevin Sinfield inspired me.”

 

Malcolm told us why he’s running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise funds for our Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal.

“I’ve been a season ticket holder at the Leicester Tigers for 40 years, and my friend is a Leeds Rhinos fan, so I have been to Headingley to watch the Leeds Rhinos play. I saw Kevin play a few times and he stood head and shoulders above everyone else, I remember being amazed at what a player he was!

“When I heard that Kevin was going to be joining as coach at Leicester Tigers, I was so excited that he was going to be part of our team. I’d read about Kev’s 7 in 7 challenge and when the Extra Mile fundraiser was announced I knew I wanted to go along and cheer him on as he came through Nottingham.

“There were about sixty people in the city centre to greet Kevin as he arrived, and even after he’d been running for five or six hours, his spirits were high, and he spoke to everyone who had come to show their support. I shook his hand and wished him luck. I was then was interviewed by the local news where I talked about what an inspiring and amazing example he sets.

“It was at this point I knew I wanted to do something to raise funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. I returned home and followed Kevin’s journey on the news and online, and it brought a tear to my eye when he completed the last leg of the challenge with Rob’s wife Lindsey and daughter Maya. There were so many people in the stadium when he arrived, but Kev only had eyes for Rob, their friendship is truly special.

“I’ve always enjoyed running and take part in many events each year. However, I haven’t ran a Marathon in 25 years. But when I saw the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, I knew I had to do it! I usually take part in these events for the physical challenge, but I recently ran the Worthing Half Marathon to raise funds for a hospice who cared for my friend and family. I felt the reason I was doing it really powered me through!

“There’s a special motivation behind me doing the Marathon and even though it will be tough, I know I’m going to enjoy every minute of it! One of my friends told me ‘forget the watch, enjoy the experience’ and that’s the mantra I’m going to follow.”