A Wirral sports team whose dreams of winning the National Championship were ruined by coronavirus, have made the journey virtually instead for a local charity.
Oxton Lacrosse Ladies 1st XII were supposed to be travelling to Milton Keynes on Saturday, May 9 to compete in the England Lacrosse National Club Championships.
After winning their 10th consecutive Northern League title this season, they had high hopes of being crowned National Champions, enabling them to qualify for their sixth European Club Championships - a title they have won five times previously.
But with all sporting activity brought to a halt by the global pandemic, the championships have been postponed, leaving fancied Oxton with nowhere to go.
Rather than do nothing on the day of the finals, the club decided to raise money for Wirral Hospice St John's by completing the 300km journey from Wirral to Milton Keynes virtually.
The challenge was put to the whole club: run, walk or cycle 1km or more, whilst adhering to the government guidelines, record your distance, share and donate.
With a goal to raise £1,000 for the hospice, the girls and their families quickly responded and had completed the distance and fundraising target by midday.
Realising that momentum was with them, they then decided to complete the full 300kms 'back to Wirral' and doubled the target to £2,000.
By the end of the day, Oxton had travelled 1105km and have now raised over £2,900.
Wirral Hospice St John's is an adult hospice that provides free care for patients with life-limiting illnesses including cancer, heart, liver and kidney disease, respiratory and neurological conditions.
As well as caring for patients, they also provide support for carers and loved ones, putting families at the heart of everything they do.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the charity, who are in desperate need of the vital funds they have lost as a result of lockdown, closures and cancelled events.
Club member Carina Walsh said: "Oxton are a force to be reckoned with in the lacrosse world and their successes as a team and as individuals, with many international athletes, are many, but this great achievement will forever hold a special place in the clubs heart and history."
Would-be sponsors can still donate here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oxtonlax
To look back on their journey and watch their video recording of the big day, visit their Instagram page @oxtonlacrosse
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