Players of Lichfield Hockey Club’s Ladies First Team have succeeded in doubling their target of raising £250 for charity after completing The 2.6 Challenge.
After this year’s London Marathon was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, The 2.6 Challenge was set up, asking people to raise money for charities and organisations by undergoing a challenge that incorporates the number 26 or 2.6, such as 26 press-ups or jogging 2.6 miles.
Lichfield personnel elected to do 26 ‘keepy-ups’ with a hockey stick and ball and managed to raise £550 for the St Giles Hospice.
First team player Becca Eastland explained why the side decided to complete the fundraiser.
“With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events with the consequent loss of billions in income for UK charities, the Ladies First Team at Lichfield Hockey Club wanted to do a little to help,” she told Sport in Staffs.
“The activity they choose was to do 26 keepy-ups in their garden and then pass it on to one of our team mates.
“They decided to get involved and encourage people to donate to St Giles as it close to many of our first team players’ hearts.
“Carol Rodgers, who is a long-time club member and also the president of Lichfield Hockey Club, works for St. Giles, so it seemed like the right charity for the Ladies first team to support them.”
Although the regular season was largely unaffected by coronavirus, Becca said that the pandemic has affected the club in other ways.
“Unlike other sports, we were lucky in hockey that we had played most of the season and only had one game left to play in Midlands leagues, to finish the season,” she continued.
“It also meant that the End of Season awards evening had to be cancelled which is usually is a great way for the club to come together to celebrate each team achievements for this year.
“We would normally play in friendly leagues in the summer and keep in touch with each other both by continuing to play and meeting socially.
“They have been getting together on a zoom call every few weeks to catch up.”
Nevertheless, the team has made the most of being in lockdown and Becca said she and her teammates are thrilled with the amount raised for St Giles Hospice.
She also said that the page is still open so it is not too late to donate money to the cause.
Becca stated: “We were delighted that through support of family and friends raised a fantastic £550.
“If anyone wishes to see our attempt and perhaps donate to St Giles Hospice please follow the link.”
To donate to Lichfield Hockey Club Ladies First Team’s fundraiser, click here.
To watch the YouTube video put together of the keepy-ups challenge, click here.
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