“It’s nothing short of a miracle, really,” said Geoff Burrow. “He’s super human. I said before this that he’s done enough. I think this is the ultimate one, I don’t think he should even try anything like this again. But who knows with Kevin?

“We’ve all been part of a big family ever since the famous Leeds team achieved what they achieved, he’s like another son to me. His mum and dad must be so proud, it’s beyond words.

“It’s difficult to take in. Whilst we all knew he would do it, the main thing is that Kevin took care of himself. The money is great but nowhere as important as Kevin’s health. But he’s done it, I don’t know how.”

The Oldham-born England international was also accompanied during the run by former team-mates Jamie Peacock, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Gareth Ellis and Barrie McDermott, along with politician Alastair Campbell and Leeds triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.

Sinfield’s Giveasyoulive fundraising page went past £800,000 – with another £160,000 in gift aid – within an hour of him crossing the finishing line and will be divided between the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity to build a new care home in the name of Burrow.

“It’s going to take the ball over the line, just watch this space,” added Geoff Burrow, whose emotional appeal for central funding is thought to have played a key role in the Government’s decision to award a £50m grant for MND research.

“I’m hopeful all the time but this is making a difference. It’s not just the rugby league family any more, it’s rugby union, it’s the sporting family, the whole country.”