A group of staff at the Academy of Football have begun the monumental challenge of remotely covering the 874 miles between Lands’ End and John O’Groats in a bid to raise money for the NHS.
The distance marks the full length of the island of Great Britain, between the two extremities in the South-West and North-East respectively.
A 20-strong team, including Academy Manager Ricky Martin, U23s Lead Coach Dmitri Halajko and coach Paul Konchesky, have set a two-week target to complete the feat – each having to run 33 miles around their local areas and neighbourhoods.
The group, containing Academy staff past and present alongside some West Ham United supporters, will also be assisted by two cyclists, who are each aiming to cover 106 miles across the 14-day period.
The challenge began on Saturday and, as of Monday morning, the group had made it as far as Avonmouth on their hypothetical venture north, raising over £2000 for NHS charities in the process.
West Ham United U18s Assistant coach Mark Phillips came up with the challenge for staff, who wanted to keep fit during the temporary closure of the Academy’s Chadwell Heath training base.
“Every Thursday night everyone is out there clapping the NHS and that’s brilliant, so we felt this was something that we could do as a workforce together for the NHS.”
Mark Phillips
“We’ve all been at home and trying to stay healthy. Running or cycling are things we’ve all been doing during our daily exercise,” he explained. “Then I thought, how about a challenge to help the NHS?
“Most of us work for West Ham, and the ones that don’t are all either friends of the club or West Ham supporters.
“From there, we set the challenge. Every night we’ve been getting the mileage together and I’ve been keeping track of exactly where we are.
“Every Thursday night everyone is out there clapping the NHS and that’s brilliant, so we felt this was something that we could do as a workforce together for the NHS.”
The challenge is taking place in accordance with the current Government guidelines and each member of staff is following strict social distancing during periods of exercise.
Phillips added: “It’s been great so far. Everyone has bought into it and we’ve had lots of donations so far. It’s great to get the chance to give back to the right people and we’d love it if the West Ham fans could come together and support us along the way.”
U23s Assistant Coach Steve Potts is also amongst those taking part in this unique challenge and he added;
“Football clubs have the power to do so much good in the community, whether you’re a player or a staff member. The name ‘West Ham’ goes a long way and it’s important we always remember that."
Steve Potts
“It’s great to get everyone out there and get running to take our mind off some of the hardship that’s going on out there and raise a bit of money for a good cause.
“Football clubs have the power to do so much good in the community, whether you’re a player or a staff member. The name ‘West Ham’ goes a long way and it’s important we always remember that."
If you wished to help the Academy Staff reach their target, then you can donate via their JustGiving page here.
