10-Year-Old rugby player walks 895 miles for Looseheadz
A 10-year-old rugby player is taking on a virtual tour of the Women’s Rugby World Cup host stadiums to raise funds for mental health charity Looseheadz.
Eilah Giles, from Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club, is walking an incredible 895 miles to support Looseheadz in their mission to help those facing mental health challenges.
Eilah suffers with anxiety and has found playing rugby has helped to channel her energy and give her something to focus on.
Her mum Victoria said: “We first took Eilah to a Red Roses game when they played France at the Allianz Stadium a couple of years ago.
“She immediately fell in love with rugby and wanted to start playing. So when the new season started, we took her along to Leighton Buzzard and she’s been playing ever since.
“Eilah suffers hugely from anxiety, and it has a massive effect on the family. But rugby has really helped bring her out of her shell.”
This isn’t Eilah’s first fundraising effort. Last year, she walked a half marathon, raising £1,400 for Looseheadz. This year, she decided to take on an even bigger challenge, tying it to the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
She began her challenge on the 27 September 2024 – a year to the day of the Women’s World Cup final and has walked 183.25 miles so far.
She has walking events planned to help her reach her target, including a challenge in April where she will cover the equivalent distance from her club to Franklin’s Gardens over the course of a weekend.
“This challenge has helped keep Eilah’s mind calm. It’s improving her mental health while raising money to support others with theirs.”
To sponsor Eilah, visit her JustGiving page. For more information about Looseheadz and the support they offer, visit their website.
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