News Hub

Northamptonshire rugby coaches take on 24-hour Coast to Coast cycle challenge

A team of coaches from the Old Northamptonians RFC (ONs) will be pushing the pedals over 260 miles in 24 hours – a great feat to help raise vital funds for the local air ambulance.

With the pandemic financially impacting charities and clubs, ONs Mini U10’s coach, JB, created the epic challenge to raise funds for the Mini and Junior Section at the ONs, to improve their first aid provision, and to also fundraise for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) who provide an amazing service to the sport across the region.

On the 18 September, using sheer leg power, the team of 24 coaches will cycle from Holyhead, the most western point in Wales, across Wales and England, and finish in Skegness.

With a mixed bag of cycling abilities, the team utilised lockdown over the last few months to train hard and are ready for the gruelling Coast to Coast cycle challenge next week.

The inspirational team has set their fundraising target at £10,000 with half the proceeds going to WNAA.

The amount raised will be added to the £1,725 the club has already raised for the lifesaving service earlier this year, after the service flew to an incident where two players had suffered head injuries.

Partaking in the challenge, Critical Care Paramedic for WNAA, Adam Nash says, “It is great to be a part of this challenge to help raise funds for the rugby club and for the vital WNAA.

“Our frontline service remained operational 24/7 throughout the pandemic, providing critical care to the people of Northamptonshire and further afield. The charity relies on public donations, and with fundraising events being cancelled, our charity has really been impacted.

“We really encourage people to support this challenge and to try and get involved in their own challenges too.”

To show your support and help the team reach their fundraising target, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ONRFCCoachesChallenge2020