- The rugby legend and tireless MND fundraiser, Kevin Sinfield, finished day four of his epic ultra-marathon challenge at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) - internationally renowned for world-class research into neurodegenerative disorders
- As well as developing effective disease-modifying therapies for MND, scientists and clinicians are SITraN are also finding ways to improve the lives of patients living with MND
- Kevin Sinfield's fundraising, inspired by friend and former team mate Rob Burrow, has contributed vital funds helping to accelerate scientific discoveries at SITraN
Rugby legend and tireless Motor Neuron Disease (MND) fundraiser, Kevin Sinfield, brought day four of his epic '7 in 7: Together' ultra-marathon challenge to a poignant finish at the world-leading Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) today (Thursday 4 December).
Finishing the South Yorkshire leg of his punishing endurance challenge at SITraN not only recognises the institute's pivotal role in driving global scientific breakthroughs in the fight against degenerative diseases, it honours the powerful impact of the millions of pounds raised by Sinfield in memory of his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow CBE.
SITraN is a world-leading centre for MND research, bringing together neurologists, geneticists, neuroscientists and clinical trial specialists to advance l scientific discoveries and translate these into potential life-changing treatments. The institute, based at the University of Sheffield, has been central to major advances in understanding why motor neurons die, how the disease progresses and which biological pathways could be targeted by future therapies.
Kevin, who visited SITraN last year, said: "Having seen the work first hand that is being done at SITraN when I visited Dame Pamela Shaw and her team, I was delighted that we could bring this year's 7 in 7: Together challenge to Sheffield.
"It is a great opportunity to celebrate the work that is being done there but also inspire more fundraising and awareness so we can not just continue the research but expand and grow it to hopefully one day bring an end to this cruel disease."
Funding generated through generous donations and national campaigns - including Kevin Sinfield's sporting challenges - has enabled scientists at SITraN to accelerate their work at a critical moment for the field.
Last month, the University strengthened its research leadership with the announcement of the Rob Burrow MND Association Professorship in Translational Neurobiology, awarded to Professor Johnathan Cooper-Knock. The Professorship, funded by the MND Association in honour of Rob Burrow, is supporting pioneering investigations into the genetic and biological causes of MND and the development of new treatment strategies that may soon enter clinical trials.
Kevin Sinfield's visit to SITraN highlights the profound connection between public support, research innovation and the hope that drives both scientists and families affected by the disease.
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Director of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) at the University of Sheffield, said: "Kevin Sinfield's extraordinary commitment to the MND community has not only raised national awareness of this devastating disease, but has delivered the vital funding that is transforming what is possible in MND research.
"His gruelling challenges, inspired by his great friend and teammate Rob, have fuelled the science that is helping us uncover why MND develops and how we can stop it. Our researchers are pushing the barriers of discovery, and we are now entering a new era in which we can finally begin to move promising scientific breakthroughs towards real treatments.
"To have Kevin finish his Sheffield leg here at SITraN - where Rob's legacy lives on through the newly established Rob Burrow Professorship in Translational Neurobiology - is profoundly inspiring for our whole community."
Professor Johnathan Cooper-Knock, Rob Burrow MND Association Professor of Translational Neurobiology at SITraN, said: "This new Professorship allows my team and me to accelerate our search for the genetic and biological triggers of MND and turn those discoveries into potential treatments.
"We believe we are on the threshold of major advances, with several promising therapeutic avenues already emerging from our work. Kevin's support - and the remarkable backing of the entire MND community - brings us closer to delivering real hope: hope that future families will not have to face this disease in the way Rob did."
Building work is currently underway at SITraN which will bring a new chapter in Sheffield's world-renowned neuroscience research. The new development will double the research capacity at the leading research facility, accelerating the progress of breakthrough treatments for neurological diseases such as MND, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
University of Sheffield alumnus and former rugby player, Tom Davies, 31, was diagnosed with MND in July 2024 at the age of 29.
"I think it's amazing what Kevin and the team all do, not just in terms of the money raised but also raising awareness and making sure that MND stays in the national consciousness. I'm glad that there are people championing those of us living with MND and it's special to be cheering them on here in Sheffield," said Tom.
"The research being done at places like SITraN is so important, as we still know so little about MND in terms of causes and treatments. I feel fortunate that I live so close to such a world-renowned research centre for MND, as I know some people travel from miles away to come to Sheffield for treatment trials.
"After the development of Tofersen being the first effective treatment for people with a specific gene mutation, I'm hopeful that there will be more treatments for other mutations and, hopefully, for those of us with no known genetic causes."
As Kevin continues the final three days of the '7 in 7: Together Challenge', crossing the final finish line at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, his remarkable feat continues to shine a spotlight on the urgent need for continued research investment and the extraordinary progress made possible when science and public support come together.
Kevin Sinfield's '7 in 7: Together Challenge'
MND research at the University of Sheffield
Donate to neuroscience research at the University of Sheffield
