Gareth Southgate joins Kevin Sinfield for 7 in 7 MND challenge

MND is a life-shortening neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement. It causes progressive muscle weakness and currently there is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms.

Jo Coker, from the MND Association, said the events had been a “game changer” for the MND community.

“If you look at when Kevin started this, the awareness levels were really low,” she said.

“It’s night and day from where we were five years ago.”

Day one came to an end in the village of Shiptonthorpe, ahead of the next stage, which will see him head into York, stopping at the University of York, York Knights’ stadium, York Minster and the racecourse, before finishing at Bishopthorpe Palace.

“I’m ready for some recovery, an ice bath and some food,” he said.

“I’m also pretty overwhelmed by the support we’ve had…people have come out and been wonderful again.”

The funds raised by the challenge will go towards the work of the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.