Staff members from Stamford College and Stamford Gas Training, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), completed a forty-one mile walk from Stamford Rugby Club to Northampton Saints’ Franklin’s Gardens, to raise funds for a new clubhouse at the Stamford Rugby Club training grounds.
Business Development Officer at Stamford Gas Training, Lisa Power, and Stamford College Sport & Public Services Lecturer, Daisy Attley, alongside Daisy’s father (and former rugby player), Colin Attley, and fellow Stamford Women’s Rugby Club members, Emily Russell and Mackenzie Higgins, completed their ‘Stride to the Red Roses’ fundraiser in the night hours of the 1st-2nd of April, arriving at the Northampton Saints’ grounds just in time for the Women’s Six Nations Rugby England vs. Italy match.
The new clubhouse facility on Hambleton Road is set to benefit both Stamford Rugby Club members and the wider community, with plans to utilise the space for mother & baby sessions, arts and hobbies classes, and calendar events, such as Bonfire Night. Daisy, who captains the Stamford Women’s Rugby team, was delighted that the event had become a real community affair, “Wow! 41 miles… What were we thinking?! A crazy idea of mine turned into a full-blown event, and will be a walk to never forget. This walk was not just for the club, but the whole community of Stamford. Our fundraising target was £1000, and we’ve tripled that – thank you so much”.
Lisa expressed her gratitude for the support the squad members received, especially from fellow IEG staff, “A massive thank you to all those that donated, the supporters, and helpers. It’s truly been overwhelming and amazing!”. Lisa continued, “Thank you so much to everyone that supported us, but big shout out especially to Assistant Head of Faculty for Business & Travel, and Stamford Women’s Rugby player, Caz Dolby. A big thank you to IEG Governor, Martin Ballard, for driving the support vehicle through the night”.
Martin commended their efforts, “Raising money for a new facility to replace the rugby clubhouse and field changing rooms is no small undertaking – it needs audacious efforts to meet the rebuild challenge. Daisy, Lisa and their teammates’ challenge was incredible. Daisy’s firm plan with a steady head and Lisa’s infectious energy carried them (sometimes singing and dancing) all the way. It has set a legendary benchmark for the club – the gauntlet has been firmly laid down by the Women’s Rugby Team on going that extra stride for our rugby family and all who will benefit from the new community asset”.
Inspire Education Group shares their congratulations to all involved. If you would like to make a donation to support the clubhouse build, click here.
