Saddleworth welcomed home its legendary hero Kevin Sinfield CBE on Saturday as the rugby star completed his gruelling 230-mile seven-day charity challenge, arriving just as the community’s 10th Santa Dash launched a record 2,500 participants through wind and driving rain.

The former rugby star, who raised more than £1 million for Motor Neurone Disease research in memory of his late teammate Rob Burrow, crossed the finish line in Uppermill to thunderous applause from Santa-suited crowds. Despite picking up a muscle injury in November, Sinfield had started his week-long endeavour in Liverpool last Sunday, telling the BBC it would have taken losing a leg to stop him.

“Saddleworth is proud of you all!” Sinfield declared to the assembled runners, who tackled both a 2k Uppermill route and a 5k trail through Greenfield. The festive crowd enjoyed brass band music from Dobcross young musicians and Friezland’s full marching band, performances by Saddleworth’s Morris Men, and Disney characters, while a heated marquee served mulled wine and refreshments.

Noah Swift presented Sinfield with a £5,000 cheque for MND at the event, which contributed to the £10,284 raised this year by Saddleworth Round Table. Andrew Rothwell, who headed the organizing team, noted the Santa Dash has generated over £100,000 for local causes during its decade-long history. Local recipients this year included primary schools, sports clubs and community groups, with donations ranging from £287 to £997.

“Since Rob got diagnosed it’s taught me that it’s important to take some risk - be uncomfortable and be vulnerable,” Sinfield reflected on his challenge. “I understood that at some point it could go wrong and I could end up having to stop, but as I said… you’d have had to chop my leg off for that.”

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