Members of Wherwell Royals Football Club have completed their extraordinary 48-hour endurance challenge, raising more than £5,000 for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice — with donations still continuing to climb.
David May, Adam Faye, Josh Wilson and Mark Raithby pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits as they walked and ran four miles every four hours for two days, all while carrying a 20kg log between them.
Beginning at 6pm on Friday 13 February, the quartet covered the equivalent of two full marathons across the 48-hour period, battling fatigue, sore muscles and sleep deprivation in honour of a cause close to their hearts.
The challenge was organised by first team vice-captain David May, a teacher at Whitchurch CofE Primary School, to mark ten years since he lost his mother to cancer. It was created as both a deeply personal tribute and a way of giving back to the hospice that supported his family during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Following completion of the challenge, David said he had been overwhelmed by the level of support.
“When discussing the idea initially, I had thought of raising £500 to be a nice little tribute. The amount raised so far just goes to show what amazing work the hospice does for so many families. I am blown away by everyone’s support and donations — thank you.
I am physically exhausted today but this is nothing compared to what so many have to go through. My mum was the toughest person I’ve known.
Thank you also to everyone that has been a part of the challenge. All of the partners, family members — especially my own — and friends for their incredible support.
Finally, I wanted to say one massive thank you to Mark, Josh and Adam. Without them none of this would have happened.”
The fundraiser has so far reached £4,250 through its GoFundMe page, with a further £750 pledged directly by local businesses, taking the total beyond £5,000 — ten times the original target. Donations are still being received.
Club chairman Adam Faye said the achievement reflected the very ethos of Wherwell Royals as they celebrate their tenth season.
“As a club we are beyond proud of the boys. As I said before the challenge, this is our tenth season as a club which in itself is a huge feat, but events like this demonstrate the core values of our club — to stick together and help others.
This fundraiser means that through the boys’ efforts at this and many other challenges, along with the generosity of our friends and family, we have now raised over £10,000 for local charities and good causes. On reflection, that is right up there with any league title or cup success we’ve had.”
Wherwell Royals have built a strong reputation for backing community initiatives, previously raising thousands of pounds for local schools, playing fields and families facing serious illness. This latest effort further cements their standing as more than just a football club.
For David and his teammates, the aching legs and sleepless nights were a small price to pay. The real victory, they say, is knowing the money raised will help ensure other families continue to receive the compassionate care that meant so much to his own.