Rugby club members raise large amount for charity in memory of teen by completing 4x4x48 challenge

They completed the 4x4x48 challenge – which involves running four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours – starting at 8pm last Friday.

More than £8,500 has been raised so far for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in memory of one of the club’s young members, Oliver, aged 19, who tragically lost his battle with osteosarcoma (a form of bone cancer) earlier this year.

The money will be specifically allocated to osteosarcoma research.

Most of the 15 members ran for the challenge. However, there were a few that combined cycling and indoor rowing for six miles every four hours instead.

Ben Sandall, who set-up the fund-raising page and was one of the participants, said Oliver’s “story of strength and tenacity in the face of adversity” inspired them to take on the 4x4x48.

He added: “We agreed to step out of our comfort zones to test our own strength and tenacity for the 48-hour challenge in the first weekend of March, and it was an even better achievement because it was organised at short notice – just a few weeks.

“We shared our stories on social media and it was quite emotional to see the lovely replies from people in Morpeth, elsewhere in Northumberland and the UK and from across the world.

“It was certainly a challenge, and coping with sleep deprivation was particularly tough, but the great messages of support helped us to keep going, as well as that we were supporting a cause so close to home.

“Other club members helped by doing some of the runs with us.

“The response since the online fund-raising page was launched has been phenomenal and we are delighted with the amount raised so far.

“Hopefully, we can get the final total up to £10,000.”

To make a donation, go to www.gofundme.com/f/mrfcs-4x4x48-challenge

For more information about the work of the Bone Cancer Research Trust and how you can support the charity, go to www.bcrt.org.uk