Glossop's super six stride out to raise funds for club

Six players from Glossop Rugby Club pushed their bodies to the limit in a bid to raise funds for the club.

Following a tough year financially for businesses in the area, the club were reluctant to pursue their usual route of asking for help in terms of sponsorship.

So instead, six of the club's members decided to take on a gruelling challenge and raise the funds themselves.

Not for the faint hearted, the challenge comprised of running four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours. With limited time for recovery and sleep, the players who took part in the challenge were pushed to their limits in the final hours. However, their efforts were well rewarded and their initial target of £480 was smashed, with 3000 being raised by the end of the last run. In a bid to drum up more support and receive further donations during the challenge, one of the players vowed to shave off his beard if £2000 was raised, whilst another player promised to run the last run in his underwear if the the total reached £2500.

Commenting on the players' efforts, one of the first team coaches, Neil Pearson, who also took part, said: “For us six lads who completed the 4 x 4 x 48 challenge, it started as, "Let's just raise a few hundred quid for the club" but very quickly escalated into something the six and the club will never forget.

"We had a target of £480 but by the end of the last run, we had exceeded £3000, which was unbelievable and far greater than any of our expectations. 

"I believe it shows what a great community club we have, that over 120 people sponsored our efforts, all in aid of the rugby club. It also reiterates the importance of local sports clubs doing their bit during this difficult period.

"I couldn't be prouder of the six lads for achieving what we have and thank everyone for their donations and those who helped with the runs."

"It won’t be long before the players are back on the rugby pitch doing what they do best, so please come up and support them all.”

In other news at Hargate Hill, the club will be open every Saturday at 1pm where drinks will be served outside under strict Covid conditions. 

There are some games planned for May before the summer recession but no spectators are allowed. Hopefully, the pandemic will continue to release it’s awful grip on the world and we can be playing proper rugby in September when the new league starts in earnest.