A hospital is throwing its support behind Kevin Sinfield's festive challenge.

The Droitwich Spa Hospital staff and doctors will back Sinfield's 'Running Home for Christmas' challenge to raise funds for the motor neurone disease charity, MNDA.

Sinfield's challenge involves covering 50 kilometres each day in 7 kilometre blocks across seven regions in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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The England coach and Leeds Rhinos legend began supporting the charity following the diagnosis of his late friend and fellow Rhino Rob Burrow, who passed away from the disease in June.

The hospital, part of Circle Health Group, has contributed to a £20,000 donation to help Sinfield reach his £777,777 target.

He will be joined by members of the MND community for an extra mile on each leg of the challenge.

Four of the segments will see group staff running alongside Sinfield and charity representatives.

He said: "It’s a privilege to help raise awareness and funds to support the MND community.

"I would like to thank Circle Health Group and all their staff for their support, it really makes so much difference."

The hospital staff will also show their support by lining the route Sinfield and his team will take during their seven-day challenge.

The group raised over £67,000 in 2023 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The organisation's 10,000 staff vote each year on a charity to support, organising local and national fundraising activities.

Since starting the scheme in 2021, they have raised more than £200,000 for various causes.

David Cooper, chief people officer at the group, said: "It’s an honour to be supporting Kevin’s fifth annual challenge.

"As a healthcare provider and proud member of the MND community, we feel it's our responsibility to do all we can to improve research into this cruel disease.

"I wish Kevin and the Circle teams the very best of luck for the challenge in December."

The disease is a progressive, incurable neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord nerves.

Up to 5,000 UK adults can be affected at any time, with those over 50 most at risk.

There is a one in 300 chance of developing the disease in a lifetime.