University of Warwick clubs participate in Race for Life
The three clubs combined raised over £3,500 for charity
On Saturday 18 May, three of the University of Warwick’s sports clubs participated in the Pretty Muddy 5km Run for Cancer Research, which took place in Coventry’s Stoneleigh Park. After receiving excellent support from donors and each raising upwards of £1,000 for charity, members from Women’s Hockey, Tap Dancing, and Swimming and Water Polo spoke to The Boar about their experiences of the event.
Members from Women’s Hockey, who support Cancer Research as their national charity, decided to take part in the event due to their individual connections to the charity through family and friends. In spite of the prospect of muddying a full set of clothes, society representatives described the event as inspiring and uplifting. They said: "Seeing the large number of people wearing pink and taking part was wonderful, solidifying that even a small amount of money can begin to make a difference."
One society member who participated stated that: "The best part of the day was the praise I received from other runners, my team, and supporters; it created a very motivating and positive environment."
Reflecting on the day as a whole, the society concluded that they were "incredibly proud of all the members who took part", and were "thankful to those who donated".
"We all had a great time slipping and sliding over the obstacles and would thoroughly recommend to anyone that would like to do something good in the world."
Warwick Tap were equally praising of the capability of the event to unify, with Vice President Ellie saying how the event was "a nice way for our society to come together for a good cause and have a laugh during the exam period". Cancer Research UK was close to the hearts of many of the members that participated, and the society was delighted to contribute a significant amount of money to "such an important charity".
Although the arrival of the Swimming and Water Polo contingent at the event was accompanied with "many remarks about the lack of mud", members would soon discover that the course was "much more than pretty muddy, leaving us all washing mud out of our hair, faces and bodies for hours after the event". Donning pink tutus and plenty of glitter, the society tackled the event with unmatched enthusiasm. Several members commented on their feelings after completing and participating in what they saw as an amazing event for an incredible cause.
"Cancer research is very close to my heart. Both of my parents have had cancer, and without charities such as Cancer Research they wouldn’t be here today. Taking part in the Mud Run was a small way for me to represent them and raise money for such an amazing cause." – Maddy Grantham, Swimming President
"The mud run was a great opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause that means so much to me and many others in the club, and a fun way to do so! Not only was it a great activity for charity, it also served as a bonding opportunity between club members and a memorable day out." - Tom Oakland, Water Polo President
"Seeing the club coming together for such a worthy cause filled me with pride, and the beautiful weather truly matched our enthusiastic spirit. Having the opportunity to give back to Cancer Research after losing my own grandpa to cancer made the experience even closer to my heart and all the more important. I’m proud of all of us!" - Cameron Mackinnon, Swimmer
"It was great fun participating in the Pretty Muddy 5k for cancer research with UWSWP. The club takes part in a number of fundraising activities throughout the year, but this one was particularly important to many of us who have seen our friends and family battle cancer. To be able to share our stories, fundraise and get completely covered in mud with each other for a fantastic cause was a valuable opportunity to for us to bond and to give back to the community. I’m sure we’ll be back again!" - Freya Slaney-Parker, Women’s Water Polo Player
"After such a fantastic event with a phenomenally positive impact on our club and wider society, raising money that’ll be essential in changing and saving people’s lives, we look forward to carrying this on for future years, highly encouraging all other clubs and societies to take part too. UWSWP looks forward to supporting our two chosen charities, Tiny Tim’s Children Centre (local charity) and the British Red Cross, in the coming year." - University of Warwick Swimming and Water Polo
The success of these three amazing sports clubs in the Race for Life demonstrates the togetherness that comes from both participating in events for charity and the communities formed by Warwick Sport. Congratulations to all of those who were involved, and good luck trying to get out those mud stains!
Built with Shorthand