Kevin Sinfield has been hailed as a “true hero” after completing a seven-day ultra marathon challenge and raising over £2 million for charity in the process.
The former professional rugby player – who captained Leeds Rhinos in the Super League for 18 years from 1997-2015, and now acts as the defence coach for Leicester Tigers – absolutely smashed it out the park by running seven ultra marathons in seven days in order to raise as much money as possible in aid of a host of motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
The challenge – which again is aid of his best pal and former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in late 2019 – saw Sinfield set off from Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday 13 November, and run over 60km a day each day in order to reach his final destination in time.
He crossed the finish line at his final destination at Old Trafford during the Rugby League World Cup final on Saturday 19 November, and was greeted by a roaring standing ovation from a near full-capacity crowd inside the Manchester stadium.
Speaking to the crowd at Old Trafford as he crossed the finish line on Saturday, Kevin said: “It’s all about friendship and the love for Rob. Everyone probably feels the same way about Rob as I do, he is an absolute champion.”
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But despite this monumental achievement, the Oldham-born legend showed he’s still human.
In a hilarious moment that’s been going viral on social media over the weekend, TV cameras following Sinfield during his challenge saw him stopping at the side of the road for a quick wee, and it went out live on BBC Breakfast.
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Presenters Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden were understandably caught off guard and proceeded to crack up with laughter.
“We have a camera on board a bike which is following,” Charlie told BBC Breakfast viewers, “We set him off every morning and we don’t really know how it works apart from…” and then, just as he said those words, Kevin took a toilet break right in front of the live cameras.
“Ah, brilliant timing, well done Charlie,” Rachel added as the pair laughed off the unfortunate moment.
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As mentioned, Sinfield took up the challenge in honour of his former Leeds Rhinos teammate and pal Rob Burrow, and the pair were seen sharing an emotional moment as Sinfield passed through Headingley in Leeds on the sixth day of his challenge.
Presenters Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden were understandably caught off guard / Credit: BBC Breakfast
Sinfield’s aim with this challenge was to raise £777,777 for people living with MND, which would be split between Motor Neurone Disease Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and MND Scotland.
Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.
Following the success of the first-ever live streams of Europe’s biggest party onto the big screen when it was held on British soil in Liverpool last year, cinemas up and down the UK are set to come together once again to celebrate 2024’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.
The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 11 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.
Hosted by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and be “united by music” to share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.
Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: Cinema Live | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
You may remember that Sweden is hosting Eurovision this year, following the Scandinavian country’s well-deserved victory at the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen.
But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Malmö to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.
Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is “heavily encouraged” as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.
The Eurovision Grand Final will be in Cinemas on May 11, 2024! Get your tickets now! https://t.co/4KBeOZ6DT7
Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row.
“We want audiences to enjoy themselves, so come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and join together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen”.
Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.
Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.
Featured Image – Nick Robinson (via BBC)
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The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new series of The Apprentice
Emily Sergeant
Reckon you’ve got what it takes to be Lord Sugar’s next business partner?
The current 2024 season of The Apprentice might be coming to a close, but the show is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
In fact, there’s already a chance to apply for the next season of the hit TV show.
Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur with a business-savvy mind, someone who’s always just fancied themselves for doing well in the field, or you have a business idea that you think could be the next big thing, everyone is encouraged to apply for the new series – and the BBC is particularly calling on people from Greater Manchester.
Basically, as long as “you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer”, then the show’s producers are keen to hear from you.
A casting call on the BBC website reads: “Could you be his next investment? If you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer, the process starts here. The winning candidate will receive an investment and go into a 50:50 business with Lord Sugar. Fighting it out for his investment candidates will take part in twelve tough tasks to win one life-changing opportunity.”
There’s a few simple questions to answer as part of the initial process, but the two major ones where you’ll have your chance to set yourself apart from the rest are:
Why should you be Lord Sugar’s business partner?
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever done in business?
The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new season of The Apprentice / Credit: BBC
Applications are now open and close on 1 December 2024 at 23:59, with successful candidates set to be contacted for interviews in the new year.
Initial interviews will be taking place across the UK, and at least two dates have been pencilled for Manchester, Leeds, and/or Birmingham, with additional interviews to decide on the final candidates then set to follow in early 2025, and filming for the series due to takes place for 10 to 12 weeks from 7 April – 22 June 2025.
Emily Sergeant -
21st November 2022 
