The cruel condition, for which there is no cure, has struck his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who aims to be at the finish line at the Rhinos' Headingley stadium at 8am today. Kevin had already raised ￡270,000 for the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals charity appeal by yesterday afternoon.

       The hospitals want to build a care centre that will bear the name of diminutive former Great Britain ace Rob.

       The married dad of three, 39, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019.

       He is no longer able to speak because of his illness but he communicates with Kevin via texts.

       Kevin, a former captain of rugby league club Leeds Rhinos, who is now a coach at Leicester Tigers, said: "That's what teams do, we stick together. We look after each other ？ that's the great thing about rugby.

       When someone is in a bit of bother, a bit of strife, the Batman sign goes up and the group will come.

       "I don't know how long my knees will hold up, but he's a mate and he'd do it for me."

       Last December, Kevin led a team that raised ￡2.7million by running seven marathons in seven days.

       He set off on his latest challenge yesterday morning from the Tigers' Welford Road ground.

       The Coldstream Guards gave him a send-off and he got messages from Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Mo Farah and Rob.

       Last week the Government pledged ￡50million to help find a cure for MND following a campaign by a coalition of charities and the Sunday Express. But further fundraising is still vital.

       To donate, go to the Give As You Live website and search for Kevin Sinfield ？ The Extra Mile Challenge. Alternatively text the word Kevin to 70143 to give ￡3.