A lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton has raised over £2,600 for Blood Cancer UK after completing a personal fitness challenge during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
Rebecca Mincher, Inclusivity Lead at the University’s Law School, challenged herself to tackle her first half marathon and complete a total of 50 miles in a day, to raise funds for charity following the loss of her father.
After incorporating exercise into her routine throughout one of the most difficult times in her life, Rebecca wanted to highlight the importance of physical activity and how it can improve the mental health and well-being of students and staff across the University. Rebecca reached out to WLV Sport who organised a fitness challenge to support Rebecca’s fundraising on National Fitness Day.
The aim of the challenge was to collectively, as a University, to travel the distance of the River Severn (220 miles) through running, cycling or rowing while raising funds for Blood Cancer UK. The challenge had taken place during the University’s first Freshers Fair, with many students and staff drumming up the mileage to our reach the 220-mile target.
Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian G. Campbell, who was also the first to kick-off the challenge said: “When Rebecca first made me aware of her fundraising initiative, I knew I wanted to be involved as it combined my two personal values – physical activity and raising funds for charity. As a university, we are always keen to encourage an active community to both our students and staff.
“I have always been extremely passionate about the importance of keeping active and the positive impact it can have both physically and mentally. I’m pleased to see so many people taking part in today’s challenge and would like to thank our WLV Sport team for working with Rebecca to raise awareness and funds for such a fantastic cause.”
Rebecca said: “Fitness has been a key part of my lifestyle for a few years and it has helped me through a very difficult period of time when I lost my Dad during the pandemic. It seemed a fitting tribute to honour my Dad, to set myself a real challenge to raise funds for this fantastic charity with the help of WLV Sport.
“I’m proud of myself for completing my first half marathon and going on to complete a total of 50 miles in one day and even more so for raising more than I thought possible. I would like to thank everyone who has donated and WLV Sport for their continued support and helping me achieve my goal.”
Lee Hardwick, WLV Sport’s Sports Development Officer said: “Many people turn towards sport and fitness to boost their mental health and well-being, especially during difficult circumstances.
“Here at WLV Sport, we are far more than a sports centre and a gym. We have a range of fitness experts and a variety of activities we can offer to benefit everyone across the university and we’re always willing to support students and staff to achieve their goals – whatever they may be.
“We are so pleased Rebecca reached out to us and proud to have been able to support her chosen charity whilst encouraging physical activity.” By the end of the challenge, Rebecca raised a total of £2,657 for Blood Cancer UK.
