This weekend, the BrewDog Stadium saw more than 2,000 people come through its doors as St.Helens welcomes Sir Kevin Sinfield and his team as they completed the penultimate day of the ‘7 in 7: The Grand Finale’ challenge.
After six extraordinary days of running, Kevin and his team of runners were just one final leg away from completing their challenge at Old Trafford, and the people of St Helens made sure he received the warmest of welcomes, as well as a send-off to remember.
St.Helens Welcomes Sir Kevin Sinfield
Friday 2nd October saw a celebration of everything that makes rugby league communities special, with supporters, local residents, players, officials, community groups and civic representatives coming together behind one common goal: supporting Sir Kev and his team whilst raising vital funds and awareness for the MND community.
We were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, the Mayor of St Helens, and the Mayor of Knowsley to the stadium, with members of St Helen’s Council also in attendance, alongside representatives from the MND Association, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Leeds Hospitals Charity, and Leeds Rhinos.
St.Helens R.F.C Chairman Eamonn McManus, CEO Abi Ekoku, and members of the Saints first team squads, were on hand to welcome the group of runners, with team captains Matty Lees and Jodie Cunningham leading the finish line presentations.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege for our town to greet Kevin today, and most importantly to support him and recognise what he’s done. [The BrewDog Stadium] is a wonderful stadium. It’s a home we’re very proud of, and Rugby League is very proud of. I think it’s a tribute to our sport and it’s a tribute to the town, for it to be the last leg prior to Old Trafford is only fitting.”
– Eamonn McManus
Adding to the already energetic atmosphere, the afternoon was also brought to life by the brilliant Born in the U3A band who played a whole host of hits spanning the decades.
It was a powerful reminder that while rugby league clubs may be in competition on the pitch, there are causes that bring us together. And the message goes beyond rugby league: when different communities, organisations and individuals unite behind a common purpose, we can make a truly positive difference.
A send-off to remember
The support continued into Saturday, with the fantastic Creating Adventures Beautiful Noise choir providing an uplifting soundtrack for the morning.
As Sir Kev and his team prepared to leave the BrewDog Stadium for the final leg to Old Trafford ahead of the rugby league Grand Final kick off, a large crowd turned out once again, stretching along the length of the stadium to cheer them on, with Sir Kev personally thanking the St.Helens RFC and Stadium teams and the people of St.Helens for their hospitality.
A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making the weekend so special.
Over both days, your generosity helped us raise £[X] in donations for MND care and research. Something the whole community can be proud of.
This challenge is over. The fight continues.
Kevin’s final 7 in 7 may now be complete, but the fight against MND continues.
The MND Association continues to support people living with MND and their families, while funding vital research into treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
If Kevin’s journey has inspired you, please consider making a donation and helping support the ongoing work of the MND Association.
Every donation can make a difference.
Relive the weekend
Take a look through our gallery to see some of the memorable moments from Kevin’s visit to the BrewDog Stadium…
