Sporty Hartlepool students go extra 272 miles for NHS after Covid-19 disappointment

Students from Hartlepool Sixth Form's basketball, netball and women's rugby academies who were heading the national finals before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The sixth form’s netball, basketball and women’s rugby academy teams had been due to compete in the AoC Sport National Championships at Nottingham in April before the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

To keep their spirits up, the staff and students decided to organise a lockdown fundraiser to run the 272-mile distance between the Hartlepool campus and the championships’ Nottingham University venue.

They were joined by the men’s rugby and football academy sides, and have raised £300 so far which will provide support for NHS Charities Together.

Danielle Smith, a sports lecturer and netball coach, said: “The students were devastated about nationals being cancelled, so we tried to turn the experience into a positive by raising money for the NHS and keeping everyone active.

“NHS staff and volunteers are doing amazing work right now in caring for COVID-19 patients and we wanted to show our respect and gratitude.

“The students worked so hard and exceeded the miles alongside our sports lecturers and coaches.

“I am so proud of everyone’s efforts during this difficult time.”

Related: College holds first virtual awards night due to pandemic

The students racked up the 272 mile distance between them by exercising at home or outdoors while sticking to social distancing.

The money they have raised will go towards supporting NHS staff and volunteers fighting the pandemic.

More than £100m has been raised throughout the UK for NHS Charities Together.

Related: Sixth Form College suspends face-to-face learning

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