World Cup Winners help Head Coach Gary
A decade beyond the Red Roses’ 2014 Rugby World Cup victory, members of the squad were united again in taking on a new challenge, covering 2014 km, to raise funds for their tournament winning head coach, Gary Street.
Over 17 days, the equivalent of their World Cup campaign’s five matches, they were fundraising to help Gary whose heart bypass operation last August led to a massive stroke and severe complications. Gary has shown remarkable determination and resilience, making impressive strides in his recovery. However, he still needs ongoing intensive therapy to continue his progress as his wife Helen, and sons Ben and Peter support him.
To help Gary, the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup squad members were running, cycling, rowing, and swimming countrywide to collectively cover 2014 km and raise funds for Gary's rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, speech, and occupational therapy, crucial for his continued recovery.
At Twickenham Stadium, members of the squad gathered and Gary and his wife Helen and son Peter watched former players complete their challenges running around the pitch.
The former Red Roses are calling on the rugby community and supporters everywhere to sponsor their efforts and make a difference in ensuring Gary receives the essential care and support he needs.
The start not the end of Gary’s recovery
Katy Daley-Mclean, who led England to victory against Canada in the final of the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, said: “Having known Gary since I was 16, he was integral to my rugby journey. He wasn’t your typical rugby coach, could be seen balancing a chair on his chin or doing magic tricks but the support we received from him was unwavering. None of our rugby careers would have been what they were without Gary and now, as we celebrate ten years since our victory, we want to continue supporting Gary, Helen and their boys Ben and Peter. It’s incredible to see how much he has achieved but we need people to keep donating because this is the start not the end of his recovery.”
Marlie Packer, current Red Roses captain, said: “Gary was an amazing coach, incredibly caring and a real joker. He helped us bring home our winners’ medals; now it’s our turn to help him. We want to help him achieve everything he can from specialist therapy. His voice is very special, the stories and jokes he can tell. He and his family have been through a tough time and we are glad to play a small part in his recovery.”
Sarah Hunter, now a Red Roses assistant coach added: “From the time I met Gary, when I was 16 or 17, he was so positive, so friendly, made us all feel part of the squad. The care he showed made you a better player. His knowledge and passion for the sport took us from youngsters to winning the World Cup.”
Tamara Taylor, now an England Rugby national coach developer, was coached by Gary in the England Academy. “He was always super supportive, and you never felt judged by him. He wanted you to be the best you could be, to enjoy the game on the pitch. In the 2014 tournament, he told us it was our time and that was the belief. Gary truly believed it. He was always there for us and now we want to support him, Helen, and the boys.”
Before the squad members set off around the Twickenham pitch Katy told them: “Seeing all of you here, 2014 and being your captain, part of that group, seems like yesterday. We didn’t get much time to celebrate back then as most of us had to go back to work the next day. One of the best things about this anniversary is to be here with Gary because without you we wouldn’t be gathering here, and our journeys wouldn’t have been what they were. Just know that we love you and we’re going to do everything we can to support you.”
The squad wants everyone to rally together and show Gary the support he deserves, visit the JustGiving page.
