Stafford Rugby Club has smashed its charity fundraising target by nearly £1,000 after its club captain completed a full marathon as part of The 2.6 Challenge.
The 2.6 Challenge invites people to take part in an activity that incorporates the number 26 or 2.6 – such as 26 press-ups or jogging 2.6 miles – as a way of raising money for charity following the cancellation of the London Marathon amidst Covid-19.
Stafford launched its campaign last month, asking members and supporters to take part in the fundraising effort, setting a goal of £2,600.
The Midlands West 2 outfit said that if it reached that figure, club captain Tom Williams would run a marathon – and it did.
Following the completion of his marathon, as of Monday afternoon (May 18), a total of £3,482.75 had been donated to the cause.
The money will be split between five charities; The Katherine House Hospice, The Midlands Air Ambulance, Cancer Research UK, The RFU Injured Players Foundation, and the NSPCC.
Tom spoke to Sport in Staffs about the club’s achievement and how the marathon went.
“The marathon was great for the first half and up to about 22 miles,” he said.
“After this, I struggled immensely – I suppose that is what you get from not training and doing it on a whim of charity! I was spurred on by some great support from the club, family and some very keen work colleagues, one of which (Alex Curtis) ran 18 miles with me!”
Tom praised the club for the amount it had managed to raise.
“Stafford Rugby Club is full of selfless people who constantly volunteer and give their time and effort to help others. This is just another example of when the club comes together to help support local and national charities in this particularly tough time.
“That and they wanted to see me suffer!” he joked.
The club captain wanted to thank those who had supported him and the club’s fundraising efforts.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated, but a massive thanks to those who went that little bit extra and did a 2.6 challenge and donated as well.
“These people know who they are! Overall, a fantastic achievement by our amazing club. This adds to the impressive fundraising and volunteering history that we have! Well done all!”
The fundraising page is still open with people still able to donate to the cause up until the end of May.
To visit and donate to the page, click here.
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