Sir Kevin Sinfield inspires £5,500 fundraising effort by 1,800 York students
Students and staff at Archbishop Holgate's School in York cheered on Sir Kevin Sinfield as he went past the school as well as taking part in their own '7 in 7' challenge. (Image: Submitted)
Nearly 1,800 York students, staff, parents and residents joined forces for a 12-hour challenge, raising nearly £5,500 for three life-changing causes.
The '7 Til 7' event at Archbishop Holgate’s School involved every student from Year 7 to Year 13 take to the track in staggered slots to complete at least seven laps between 7am and 7pm.
York Knights and Matchroom Boxing members turned out to cheer on the pupils in their '7 Til 7' challenge. (Image: Submitted)
The challenge was inspired by rugby league legend Sir Kevin Sinfield’s incredible fundraising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Students and staff at Archbishop Holgate's School in York cheered on Sir Kevin Sinfield as he went past the school as well as taking part in their own '7 in 7' challenge. (Image: Submitted)
The event took place on Monday, September 28, and excitement peaked mid-morning when Sir Kevin passed the school as part of his own running route, with the entire school community lining the road to cheer him on.
Students and staff at Archbishop Holgate's School in York cheered on Sir Kevin Sinfield as he went past the school as well as taking part in their own '7 in 7' challenge. (Image: Submitted)
Joanna Kitney, assistant headteacher for personal development, said: "It was an absolute privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our local community to watch Sir Kevin Sinfield run past.
"You could feel the inspiration in the air, and seeing our pupils cheer him on with such genuine warmth was unforgettable. Our pupils were simply fantastic from start to finish.
"Running continuously from 7am to 7pm wasn't easy, but the positivity, stamina, and support they showed one another was uplifting to watch."
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Ms Kitney added: "This event taught our young people invaluable life lessons about resilience, empathy, and the immense power of collective action.
"To raise close to £5,500 for three causes so close to our hearts is an outstanding achievement.
"This spirit of care, generosity, and togetherness is exactly what makes Archbishop Holgate’s School such a special place to belong."
Students from Year 7 to Year 13 completed at least seven laps between 7am and 7pm to help raise funds for three causes. (Image: Submitted)
The school received support from York Knights and Matchroom Boxing, who turned out to cheer on the pupils.
The event continued into the evening with a community session from 4pm to 7pm, where parents, carers, and neighbours joined pupils on the track.
The entire community at Archbishop Holgate's School lined the road to cheer on Sir Kevin Sinfield. (Image: Submitted)
Funds raised will be split equally between three causes:
- The MND Association, which supports research and care for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
- The AHS Unity Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to families within the school community.
- Team Uganda, which will fund the construction of a nursery school in Uganda that Archbishop Holgate’s students will visit in July 2027.