Last month volunteers from local football club Bourne Blades ran and cycled the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a virtual relay to raise money for two local charities. An initial group of 30 volunteers, including three members of the BakerLaw team, began the 874-mile relay on the 11th May and, with the help of further volunteers from the club's Veterans & Senior teams, a handful of club Committee members and a few "WAGS", they finished it in just two weeks.
To comply with government social distancing guidelines, the team used a tracking app as a virtual baton. The app measured the distance they had covered and would then notify the next volunteer to begin their leg.
The team far exceeded their fundraising target of £3,000, having raised £6,906.67 to date. This money will be divided between two wonderful local charities, Change of Scene and Phyliss Tuckwell. Change of Scene make a life changing difference for disadvantaged children across Surrey and Hampshire. Phyllis Tuckwell is the only hospice care service for adult patients living with cancer or another terminal illness across the whole of West Surrey and part of North East Hampshire. Both charities have lost significant income as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.
Having finished the relay more quickly than anticipated, the team extended the challenge and also virtually ran, cycled & rowed 550 miles. This was the distance across the channel to France and up to Bordeaux, where this year’s postponed tour was due to take place. Their efforts also inspired the the youth teams to take on their own virtual "Race to Wembley" relay over the May Bank holiday weekend, which further raised the profile of the fundraiser and helped boost the money raised.
Very well done Kevin, Ian, David and the rest of the Bourne Blades team for your efforts!
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