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THE Prince of Wales hailed rugby star Kevin Sinfield’s latest fundraiser for motor neurone disease as a “fitting tribute” to former team-mate Rob Burrow.

William wished Sinfield the “very best of luck” yesterday as he embarked on a challenge to run seven ultra-marathons in seven days.

The Prince of Wales hailed rugby star Kevin Sinfield’s latest fundraiser, pictured with John Barnes and Peter Reid at yesterday’s Liverpool Santa Dash
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The Prince of Wales hailed rugby star Kevin Sinfield’s latest fundraiser, pictured with John Barnes and Peter Reid at yesterday’s Liverpool Santa DashCredit: Rex
The Prince praised Kevin's efforts for motor neurone disease as a 'fitting tribute' to former team-mate Rob Burrow
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The Prince praised Kevin's efforts for motor neurone disease as a 'fitting tribute' to former team-mate Rob BurrowCredit: PA

The ex Leeds Rhinos player, 44, has helped raise more than £16million since Burrow, who died in June, was diagnosed with MND in 2019.

Wills, who presented the pair with CBEs in January, said in a video from Windsor: “Catherine and I wanted to wish you the very best of luck for what’s going to be a very gruelling week.

“What you and Rob have achieved has been incredible and this is a very fitting tribute to his legacy.

“I’m sure you’ll be running with him in your mind the whole way.”

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The week-long Running Home For Christmas challenge will take Sinfield from Liverpool to Manchester via Wrexham, Gloucester, Belfast, Glasgow, Hull and Northampton.

He will run 50km (31 miles) a day for a week, finishing in his hometown Saddleworth, Oldham, on Saturday.

Each run will be broken down into hour-long 7km legs in a nod to the famous shirt number Burrow wore before capturing the nation’s hearts through fundraising.

Kevin joined a sea of more than 8,000 Santas — including football’s John Barnes and Peter Reid — at yesterday’s Liverpool Santa Dash.

England kicking coach Sinfield said: “We want to spread the love.

“We want to show people how much we care about them.”

More than £288,000 of Sinfield’s £777,777 target had been donated last night on his Give As You Live fundraising page.

Prince William and Kevin Sinfield lead tributes to ‘inspiration’ Rob Burrow following rugby league star’s death aged 41
Wills presenting Rob with a CBE in January
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Wills presenting Rob with a CBE in JanuaryCredit: AFP
Kevin during the Liverpool Santa Dash
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Kevin during the Liverpool Santa DashCredit: PA
William sent a video to Sinfield
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William sent a video to Sinfield
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