Stoke City Women has raised £4,500 of the NHS as it battles coronavirus – smashing their original fundraising target four-fold.
The club’s three senior teams and youngsters (along with their families) who attend the Regional Training Centres set out to collectively run or walk 2,000 miles in just seven days from May 4 to May 10 to raise money for the University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity (UHNM).
Once miles-covered were totalled and donations were counted up, all-in-all the club ended up completing 3,230 miles and raising £4,500.
Stoke City Women Head Coach Chloe Jones explained how “overwhelmed” she was by the feat.
She said: “What a week it was. I think everyone shared the aches and pains but what we also shared were our updates, motivation, support and the agreement of how much we all want to support our NHS.
“We wanted to raise as much as we could for the NHS and by doing something physical, it was a great way to stay fit and healthy.
“We are involved in a team sport and so we wanted to do something that enabled us to continue working as a team to achieve something together.
“I knew that the players, staff and families would be up for it when I put the idea to them but I have honestly been so overwhelmed by their levels of commitment and dedication. It has made me even more proud of being a part of this wonderful club and it proves that by working together, you can achieve anything.
“The level of support, both financially through the donations and also lovely motivational words has been incredible and has really spurred us on. Our club have come together but the entire community have joined us. It has been utterly fantastic.
“Our target was to raise £1,000 and we thought that would be a huge task but I think we raised that in the first two days. We cannot thank everyone enough for donating, especially in these uncertain times.
“You are who made this challenge doable and one that we have all thoroughly enjoyed.”
Steve Rushton, Charity Manager at the University Hospitals of North Midlands, stated: “I am absolutely delighted Stoke City Women and Girls have chosen to fundraise for UHNM Charity.
“They really have gone above and beyond working as a team to raise such a fabulous total, especially during these extremely difficult and challenging times.”
Donations are still being taken for the challenge, so the club’s total figure may still yet rise further.
To donate, click here and quote ‘Stoke City Women and Girls 2,000 Miles for the NHS’ in the message box to ensure money is distributed to the right cause.
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