Members of Rotherham United’s first team medical department will once again be lacing up their running shoes throughout the month of November in a charity attempt they hope this year will see their colleagues in the football world to get involved with their 10k-a-day for Prostate Cancer UK challenge.
Once again driven by Performance Manager Ross Burbeary and Head of Medical Stephen Gilpin and joined by fellow first team staff members including Mark Hoy, Adam Pulford and Matt Lowndes among others, the staff will be taking on the epic challenge of running 10k every day throughout November.
The pair first undertook this running challenge in 2018 and it has grown since with representatives from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City adding to the mileage last year.
This time around though, they are looking to involve players, staff members and fans from clubs around the country in a continued effort to support the superb work performed by Prostate Cancer UK.
November means that the challenge coincides with the charity’s ‘Movember’ campaign, which means that you are likely to see Ross and Stephen sporting more and more questionable facial hair as the days pass by.
So far, their fundraising journey has seen them amass a staggering £15,500 for PCUK.
Head of Medical Stephen Gilpin, who recently returned to the club following a brief stint with Hull City, admitted he is delighted to be back among the Millers’ ranks ahead of this year’s challenge and is hopeful that we will see representation on at least one 10k run in the month from each of the 92 clubs involved in the top four divisions.
“It sounds ridiculous because every year it is such a big ask, but I can’t wait to get going for this year’s challenge, which we hope will once again be bigger and better than last year’s efforts,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We had friends on the coaching staff at both Wolves and Coventry take in some 10ks in 2019 and our aim for 2020 is to have even more clubs represented as we look to get the best possible exposure for Prostate Cancer UK, and, in turn raise even more money.
“We have been overwhelmed in recent years by the support and kindness of the Rotherham United fans, who have been instrumental in helping us to our current total of over £15,000 and are hopeful that by spreading the news of the challenge far and wide, other clubs’ fans will help us raise even more.
“This challenge isn’t just for the staff of other football clubs – we want to see everyone lacing up their boots and running as many 10ks as they want to in November. Even running one will make a huge difference to how far this challenge is reaching and it would be great to think that people as far away as Plymouth or Carlisle are getting involved in a challenge that was thought up in our medical room here in Rotherham.
“If you are interested in taking part, get in touch with me by email on sgilpin@rotherhamunited.net and I can share further details about what it is we’re looking for. Beyond that, once you are out running, make sure you send me your photos and throughout the month we’ll look to publicise the efforts of everyone on our club website here at Rotherham United.”