Ruck over Cancer challenge for rugby club
Members, families and friends of a Shropshire Rugby Club are setting out to prove they are made of iron later this year.
Oswestry Rugby Club is taking on a challenge, based on the famous Ironman races, with individuals team members either swimming 2.4 miles, running 26.2 miles or cycling 112 mile in a day.
Ruck Over Cancer aims is to raise £30,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer UK, two leading men’s and women’s health charities.
They were inspired to take on the Ironman Challenge after two Mums at the club were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and the club President was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Liz Johnson whose three children play rugby and husband Stewart coaches diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020.
"A small tumour was picked up on a routine scan, I had no idea that anything was wrong. I was extremely fortunate to get the cancer caught early, I had to have quite a large operation to remove the tumour and thankfully the early diagnosis meant no further treatment was required. The doctors and nurses that looked after me were amazing, I can never thank them enough for saving my life.’
"As well as raising money we’re hoping to raise awareness and encourage anyone who is offered a mamogram to take it up – it might save their life."
Theresa Moore's son also plays in the club.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2020 something that changed my family’s world. Fears, loneliness, whys, what ifs and shock are just a few of the daily emotions I have felt, but the love, help, support and prayers from family and friends has a been blessing.’
"From July to mid-December I went to the hospital weekly, sometimes daily and had two surgeries and four weeks of daily radiotherapy. The NHS deserve a huge thank you, whilst dealing with a global pandemic they have been supportive, caring and kind to my family and I, as we faced a new unknown each day."
‘I am so proud of our rugby club, being part of raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer UK and Prostate Cancer UK. "
President Martin Ord said: “I have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have been touched by the support of everyone connected with our amazing club at Oswestry”, “My son Spencer, Grandson Ben and I decided to take on the ‘Ruck Over Cancer’, Ironman Challenge for Prostate Cancer UK to help raise awareness and raise much needed money in the battle with this horrible disease.
“This is going to be a huge challenge and it will be an emotional day for us, but if we manage to help save just one life by raising awareness or, monies raised support the development of testing methods for the early detection of prostate cancer, all of the effort will be worth it”.
To help Oswestry Rugby Club continue to raise money visit justgiving.com/team/oswestry-rugby-club-ruck-over-cancer.
