Kevin Sinfield's Sock It To MND campaign aims for 7,777 sales

Kevin Sinfield, the former rugby league star, is embarking on a remarkable fundraising mission with the launch of the Sock It To MND campaign. His goal? To sell 7,777 pairs of specially designed sports socks, all in support of motor neurone disease (MND) charities. This initiative is part of Sinfield's seventh and final challenge, aptly named 7 in 7: The Grand Finale.

Kicking off on September 27 and culminating at the Super League Grand Final on October 3, Sinfield will undertake an ultra marathon every day for seven consecutive days, visiting all 12 English Super League grounds from Hull to Manchester. This ambitious feat is not just about the miles; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Rob Burrow, who tragically passed away in June 2024 after a courageous battle with MND.

"If we all do a tiny bit, it goes a long, long way," Sinfield remarked, emphasizing the collective effort needed to combat this devastating disease. His fundraising journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, having raised over £11 million for MND causes since Burrow's diagnosis in December 2019. The idea for this latest fundraising drive was sparked by Oxen Sports, the kit supplier that has supported Sinfield's challenges over the past six years.

The limited edition socks will be available for purchase, and Oxen Sports is encouraging athletes, supporters, and organizations to show their support by sharing photos or videos on social media using the hashtag #Sockit. All profits from the sock sales will directly benefit MND charities and contribute to Sinfield's fundraising totals.

Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Oxen Sports, praised Sinfield's commitment, stating, "What Kevin has done for the MND community, inspired by his friendship with Rob, has gone so far beyond sport. It is an incredible example of loyalty, determination, and using your platform to inspire others."

Sinfield's challenge unites rival fans

The challenge will commence at Hull KR's Craven Park, with Sinfield expected to cover at least 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) each day. In a recent interview with BBC Radio Humberside, he expressed his excitement about starting in Hull, a city that has rallied behind his efforts for Burrow and the MND community.

Reflecting on the rivalry between his former club, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull FC, Sinfield noted, "I know they might think there is some rivalry here but that has all gone, that was 11 years ago. We need to come together to fight against MND."

The rugby league community has shown remarkable solidarity in the fight against MND, as evidenced by recent events like Craig Eskrett's Run for MND, which attracted hundreds of participants. Sinfield remarked, "What you see with rugby league in particular is they look after their own, and they've certainly done that up in Hull with Craig. The fact that he set his own 10k up, the fact that other people are doing their own 7 in 7s, other people are doing their own little bit, and that's all we ask."

As Sinfield prepares for this monumental challenge, the rugby league community stands united, not just in sport but in the fight against MND, showcasing the power of camaraderie and collective action in the face of adversity.