Kevin Sinfield fundraising passes £1.8m as stars praise incredible efforts on BBC Breakfast appearance

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield completed his seventh and final marathon in seven days for his friend Rob Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

Sinfield, a former club and international team mate of Burrow's, battled through the wind and rain to raise more than £1.8million.

The fundraising total has rapidly increased in recent days as news of his efforts spread across social media.

Praise poured in on the JustGiving page.

One donation included the words: "The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.

"Well done Sir Kev, awesome."

Another added: "The disease that destroyed so many family's lives. Hopefully this helps to finally beat MND."

Sinfield appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning - the first studio guest in months.

Presenter Dan Walker said: "If anybody deserves a sit down, it is Kev Sinfield.

"You have inspired so many of us."

Sinfield was asked how he felt after completing his incredible feat.

He said: "I am feeling great.

"If you had said this is how I would wake up on morning eight, I would have snapped your hand off.

"I am massively overwhelmed.

"The support has been incredible."

Sinfield described the moment he was greeted by Rob Burrow and his family as part of the fundraising marathons.

He added: "I did not know he was there.

"We had just come to some traffic lights and he appeared.

"To get to see him was really special.

"Throughout the different days it was a real wave of emotion.

"There was a couple of times I got choked up and it was down to Rob."

A montage was played showing Sinfield running through Leeds to a soundtrack of 'You've Got a Friend in Me."

Sinfield said: "It has been a real challenge, it was not something we took lightly.

"We stuck to it and to get it done was brilliant.

"We have had a really good week back in a team.

"It reminded me of being back in the Leeds Rhinos dressing room."

Leeds Rhinos stars Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Jamie Peacock were also guest runners who accompanied Sinfield.

Paying tribute to his friend in a pre-recorded message, Rob Burrow said: "What can I say which hasn't been said already

"Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear snoods."

Emotional messages were played for Sinfield from families affected by MND.

One said: "Thankyou Kevin, you are a hero!"

Doddie Weir - who has been affected by MND - also featured on the program and said Burrow always "has a smile on his face."

He added: "Kev, to do what you have done is truly amazing.

"It has built the most amazing story.

"It shows there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel now.

"It is a great Christmas present."

At time of writing, the total is £1,835,625.

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