The five charity partners of the British and Irish Lions leaned into the festive spirit over the past month, taking on perilous challenges and encouraging new year goal-setting.
From Christmassy events to January fitness pursuits or even attempts to traverse whole countries, the holiday period has not been stopping any fundraising efforts.
LooseHeadz and the Matt Hampson Foundation both have teams in this year’s treacherous Rickshaw Run in India.
British racing driver Paul Fullick is travelling a 3,500km route in a tuk-tuk down the length of India with his wheelchair and two friends to raise money for the Matt Hampson Foundation.
Fullick was inspired to attempt the impressive challenge after seeing the support his friends in racing, Aaron Morgan and Noah Cosby, had received from the foundation.
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LooseHeadz are represented in the race by Toby Anderson, Fraser Hutt and Eddie Robinson who have all embarked on the traverse in a tuk-tuk on a campaign to ‘Tuk the Stigma’.
They are aiming to raise £2,500 for LooseHeadz to reflect the 2,500km route they hoped to take, though they have admitted that is looking closer to 3,500km now.
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Both were also involved in events closer to home as they brought festive fitness to local communities.
LooseHeadz participated in a Christmas match against Trafford Metrovick to spread the message that no one should face struggles alone at a poignant time, while the Matt Hampson Foundation showcased adaptive CrossFit at FitFest 2024.
Dallaglio Rugby Works were also engaged in some festive fitness as their Christmas Holiday camp in Wales marked the final session of 2024.
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Making the most of those new year resolutions, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation launched their Doddie Aid fitness challenge at the start of January.
The virtual mass participation event encourages people to get active over five weeks while raising money for the charity.
Among the participants, Scottish First Minister John Swinney was at Murrayfield Stadium for the launch while former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lion Rob Wainwright is leading efforts as he embarks Doddie’s Grand Tour 2025 as he aims to cycle 700 miles in four days.
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It means the foundation have swapped suits for lycra after hosting their Seven Year Anniversary Awards Dinner in early December.
Wooden Spoon were also donning their finery last month as they hosted their annual fundraising lunch at Anfield, raising £21,000 to go towards projects in the Merseyside region.
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They were joined by guest speaker former Welsh international Jim Mills while former Red Rose Gillian Jew was also among the attendees.
