Fundraisers take on 7 in 7 challenge in memory of much-loved dad and amateur sportsman

Rob’s Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield ran seven marathons in as many days last year to raise awareness of motor neurone disease and cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after Rob was diagnosed with the condition.

And friends and family of the late Steve Burns (above), a popular figure who enjoyed success on the Rotherham amateur football scene, have decided to follow suit for their own annual fundraising drive - completing their chosen activity every day between July 1 and 7.

Steve’s brother Stuart coordinates friends and friendly every year to push themselves to the limit every year in support of the MNDA in memory of dad of two Steve, who died in July 2016.

Last year, a group of more than 20 completed 100km of walking or running in May despite being separated by lockdown rules.

And this time around, Stuart has picked the 7 in 7, with those signing up opting for a range of disciplines.

Some are walking or rowing 7km a day, Stuart himself aims to cycle 50km daily and his sister Sarah has ridden the equivalent of the length of the River Severn.

Stuart said about 20 people had signed up this year.

He added: “We are all doing different things, whether its running, cycling, walking or something non-sport related.

“It’s not the difficulty of the task that is important, it’s the consistency.

“People with MND don't have the option to skip a day and make it up another time.

“They have to try their best every day, no matter how bad they feel or how tired they are.

“Whether it’s walking a mile or running a marathon, the point is the same.”

Between them, the team members have raised more than £4,000 so far.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/Steveburns to make a donation to the joint appeal page.