York Valkyrie's badge will appear on Kevin Sinfield’s running shirt for his next fundraising challenge, in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charities!

The Valkyrie have been chosen as a sponsor by Sporting Connexions, who have donated to the MND Association, following their York Sportsman's Lunch which took place at York’s Knavesmire.

Former Leeds Rhinos captain, Kevin Sinfield has raised more than £8 million for MND charities, after his friend and former team mate, Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease in 2019. 

This year, Sinfield will lead his fundraising team in their fifth annual challenge, with the theme, “Running home for Christmas”.

The week-long challenge is set to cover over 50km per day, visiting seven regions across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson from Sporting Connexions explained: “We have an annual event at York Racecourse which has been held since 2005. 

"Around 700 guests attend from the Yorkshire business community, and the proceeds of the event are distributed to many deserving charities.

“One of the chosen beneficiaries is the MND Association, and we support Kevin Sinfield and his team with their fund-raising efforts in any way we can. 

“The contribution that was donated this year happened to equal the amount a sponsor pays to have their name on his running shirt.

“Kevin invited us to have our name on his running shirt. Instead, we nominated the Valkyrie to have their badge on his top.

“The reason why we chose the Valkyrie is quite simple. They are fantastic ambassadors for their team, the club, the city, the rugby league family around the country, and we want to make as many people as possible aware of all the fantastic things associated with the York Valkyrie!”

The challenge will start on 1 December, when Sinfield and the team will attempt to complete each days’ distance in 7km blocks which will start on the hour, every hour. This means they will race against the clock to complete the 7km distance and have time to rest before starting the next stage.