Inspired by a nationwide digital fundraising trend which took social media by storm during the first lockdown of 2020, Hockey for Heroes replicated the successful ‘Run 5KM, Donate £5 and Nominate 5’ challenge to raise vital funds for Help for Heroes.
The men’s and women’s Hockey for Heroes squad challenged the hockey community to take part in this virtual fundraising challenge throughout February.
The challenge saw more than 200 people take on the 5 kilometre (3.1 mile) distance by walking, running or cycling, raising over £1,300 for Help for Heroes.
The money raised will be used to support wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives.
The Hockey for Heroes squads, which comprise of a number of military, ex-Military & civilian personnel, had a busy 2020 and 2021 fundraising schedule planned, however due to COVID-19 restrictions, the majority of fundraising activities have been paused.
Joel Forrester, Hockey for Heroes Co-Founder commented, “On behalf of everyone at Hockey for Heroes, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.
“During these challenging times, it is more important than even to come together to support Help for Heroes and keep fit for mental and physical wellbeing.
“We have seen efforts from people all over the country who have supported this initiative and the money raised has truly exceeded our expectations.
“Since we founded Hockey for Heroes in 2012, our squads have completed challenges that have combined exceptional physical exertion with playing hockey, raising over £400K.
“With COVID restrictions halting our fundraising ambitions for the past year, it has been fantastic to launch an accessible challenge which has not only raised funds for Help for Heroes, but also awareness for the fantastic work they do.”
One of our goalkeepers Ben doing the 5km challenge in full kit