Blackpool Stanley Rugby League Club's 5,000-mile fundraising challenge

The aim of the players and coaches is to cover that distance between them either on two wheels or on foot during the current three-week lockdown period.

The community club , who play at Kingscote Park in division five of the North West Men’s League, face financial peril with no fixtures to keep them afloat. However, they feel it is only right to split all money they raise with the NHS in these challenging times.

Stanley have set up a page on the gofundme.com website, aiming to raise £2,000 to be shared equally between the club and the NHS Charities fund. By the end of week one they had completed 1,309.77 miles and donations as of last night were close to £800.

Head coach Brett Whitehead said: “The lads wanted to come together to be active and raise money for the brilliant work of the NHS and to make sure there is still a rugby club for us all by the end.

“The fundraiser will also help players’ mental health by motivating them to get out and be active, which is very important within both the club and rugby league.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has already donated. The lads are working hard to complete the challenge.”

Fundraising feats are nothing new to Stanley, who completed a 24-hour touch rugby match in November and handed over part o the proceeds to the State of Mind charity.

You can donate to Blackpool Stanley’s 5,000-mile lockdown challenge at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kkpch-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help