William and Kate's good luck message to charity hero Kevin

Royal boost for 230-mile run in memory of Rob

- Emily Ferguson

THE Prince and Princess of Wales sent a moving message to Kevin Sinfield yesterday as he started his first charity challenge without his best friend Rob Burrow.

The rugby league legend, 44, hopes to cover more than 31 miles a day for seven days in his fifth Running Home for Christmas endurance event.

He wants to raise £777,777 in memory of Rob, who died from motor neurone disease in June, aged 41.

When they both played for Leeds Rhinos, Rob wore the number seven shirt.

Yesterday Prince William, who awarded them both CBES in January, told Kevin his challenge was a "very fitting tribute". In a video posted on social media he said: "Kevin Catherine and I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for what's going to be a very gruelling week, raising money and awareness around MND.