80 mile trek for Rugby Against Cancer
In fierce sunshine and the dark of night, 63 walkers trekked 80 miles to raise funds and awareness for Rugby Against Cancer.
They gathered outside Guys Hospital Cancer Care Centre on the Sunday of May Bank Holiday weekend, joined by members of Guys Hospital RFC, which is among the oldest rugby clubs in the world.
The walkers crossed London, headed through Hampshire and finished at Portsmouth rugby club more than 30 hours later, where they received a heroes’ welcome. Nursing blisters, aches and pains, many hobbled to their jobs after the gruelling walk but all were delighted that at the last count they had raised over £70,000.
Rugby Against Cancer is a non-profit organisation using the power of rugby to help those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Said founder Aaron Beesley: "I heard an old school friend had cancer and knew five people who had or were dealing with cancer at the time, all involved in local clubs in Hampshire. I’ve seen how it has affected them, their teammates and those who know them. I’ve also had very close family and friends who have had cancer and seen first-hand the effect on them, their family and friends. I was thinking how to raise valuable funds for local and national charities to help those people. And it just clicked - rugby!
"This walk raised an amazing amount of money and we have a number of plans to be able to give back and make a difference. The money and exposure will go such a long away to helping so many people."
