Redditch RFC

And people kept asking whose idea was this anyway.

To walk from the Rugby Club in Redditch to the top of the Malvern Hills and back in 24 hours - that is roughly 60 miles.

And for some they were right - but everyone who dropped by the wayside had given their absolute all in the challenge - they were picked up by wives/girlfriends and taken home to a hot shower and a comfortable bed absolutely gutted that they did not make the final cut.

However 6 of the party overcame all obstacles in their way to make the journey but with time to spare.

We not only travelled more than the 60 miles but did it in 18 hours and 19 minutes!

The final party who completed the challenge eventually slowed down and posed for pictures as they neared their destination.

And when they arrived home there were ice cold foot baths and a surprise presentation of new playing strip shorts and sox, courtesy of our kit sponsors Howden and Amco, to say thank you from the club for the effort that they put in.

The final 6 sooth their aching feet while Skippy (who joined Garry Mills in the support car) welcomed them home and announce the presentation of new playing kit.

After 4 hous of solid walking the boys arrived at the Bridge Inn at Tibberton where they looked forward to going in for a comfy chair and  cool pint of refreshment.

However Garry and Skippy had snared a place in the empty car park right by the beer garden so they had to make do with the mighty feats Garry had prepared:

Sandwiches and drinks were consumed with gusto, while sox were changed and blisters compared.

Not alll stops were as comfortable as the first and we were asked to move on from this one as we were blocking the barred and gated entrance to the new Worcester Bridge site early on a Saturday morning.

By the side of a busy roundabout we ran the risk of losing a few walkers as they concentrated on the sausage baos and piping hot tea and coffee that Garry had prepared for breakfast.

Some refreshment stops were a lot more pleasant as Skippy shows, relaxing by the lock at 6 Ways while Garry cooks more sausages. This popular jogging and walking spot provide many comments about our spread and Garry started to supply food and drink to everyone. One couple returned and told us that they had passed one of walkers who was cramping up and looke in real trouble. So Skippy had to walk off down the canal armed with Lucozade and water to mount a rescue attempt. That stretch through Worcester to 6 ways accounted for 2 of our number.

And just as a reminder of how tough this challenge was here is a reminder of the start of the climb to the top of the malverns:

And lastly a great big thank you to the walkers, support team of Garry and Skippy, the wives who made the midnight taxi runs, the supporters who made the welcome back to the club so memorable and, of course, to everyone who made a donation to make the challenge not only memorable but financiaaly important to the future of the club.

And as we approach our target it is not too late to sponsor at just giving:

https://gofund.me/90e00c6e