Netballers at the University of Worcester are going the extra mile – or 1,242 miles to be precise – to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.
Students in the University of Worcester Netball Club aim to collectively cover more than 2,000km – more than the distance from Worcester to Rome – through different types of movement throughout the month of October. Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the group aims to raise £4,000 for Breast Cancer Now.
Vice Chair Beth Elcock, a third-year Sports Therapy student, said: “It’s nice to know that hopefully the money we raise will make an impact on treatment for breast cancer. I think it’s a cause close to a lot of the girls’ hearts. We’re running for our mums, nans and friends and anyone affected by breast cancer and anyone who could be affected by it in the future.”
Students are tracking their miles each time they do a run, cycle or walk. The netballers are holding a 24-hour challenge on campus on October 25 to add to their total, in which they will go out in pairs exercising in half-hour slots continuously over a 24-hour period. They have also held a bake sale to raise extra funds.
Club Chair Sarie Watkins is confident that they will exceed the distance. The third year PE and Sports Coaching student, who plays for Wales, including at the 2023 Netball World Cup and last month at the Netball World Youth Cup, said: “Breast cancer has impacted my family. If you asked for people personally affected by this, I think the majority of the Club would put their hands up. Hopefully it will make a difference, we want to do our part for the cause really.”
Made up of more than 75 members, the Club has five teams who compete in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) league and a development squad. Players range from local club level to internationals. Sarie said they were encouraging each other and going out on walks or runs in groups.
She added: “It’s absolutely brought us together as a Club because everyone’s working towards the same thing. It’s good for the first years as it gets them involved early on in their first month with the Club. Everyone’s been sharing it on social media, sharing it with other clubs, the University Rugby Club members have contributed. They support us and we’ll be supporting them with their fundraising.”
To find out more or to donate, visit the Club’s JustGiving webpage: www.justgiving.com/team/uwnetball