Vikings Weather the Storm
As Storm Alex battered the country in early October, on the wettest day for six years, it was hardly a great time to walk 24 miles, much of it on high exposed ground, but that is what a group from North Walsham Rugby Club did. They completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in the fair-weather target time of 12 hours and raised over £3,000 for a mental health charity.
North Walsham Vikings coaching group had been looking for innovative ways to develop fitness and team build in the absence of matches and this challenge certainly fitted the bill. Deep in the Yorkshire Dales, it takes in the summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside, covers varied terrain and includes 1,585 metres (5,200 feet) of ascent.
The ten strong team was a mix of players and coaches: Tessa Beecroft, Danny Cubitt, Jake Duffield, Matt Hodgson, Will Hodgson, James Knight, Ryan Oakes, Jim Riley, Ethan Sikorski & Dan Smith. They had their share of bumps, aches and falls along the way but all were exhilarated by the achievement.
“We were all very tired, very wet and very cold but it was a great experience,” said Tessa Beecroft who joined the club’s physiotherapy team last summer.
It was a charity that Tessa established in 2019 that benefited from their efforts. ‘Give a Ruck’ (givearuck.com) seeks to help everyone involved in rugby “to feel more comfortable talking openly and honestly about their mental health and wellbeing.”
Among its ambassadors are two ex-Vikings from different eras: Soul Phoenix, who has played for the England Over 45s touch side, and Toby Salmon currently with Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.
Jim Riley, leading try scorer for the past two seasons, commented: “Increasing awareness about mental health is important so I’m pleased we raised money for Give A Ruck. The walk was a great team experience, the way we approached it summing up the togetherness and team spirit that makes our club so special. Despite the atrocious weather we stayed positive throughout, providing support to each other through any difficult patches – just like we do on and off the pitch.”
