The RFL
Benevolent Fund
The 2008 Side by Side Challenges
In 2008 the RFL and Leeds Metropolitan University jointly organised the Side by Side Challenges to raise money for the RFL Benevolent Fund . The aim was to raise £30,000 for this worthwhile charity.
The Benevolent Fund has been recognised as being among a number of charities which give the highest percentage of its income towards its charitable aims. These include support and assistance to those unfortunate enough to be severely injured playing the sport of Rugby League.
The Hadrian’s Wall Walk was the first part of the Side by Side Challenges - a joint initiative between the RFL and Leeds Met Carnegie in aid of the RFL Benevolent Fund.
Participants from the RFL, University students and staff, and Rugby League personalities including former Great Britain Captain Phil Clarke walked the unbroken 84 mile length of the Hadrian’s Wall Path which was made a National Trail in 2003.
Former Hull KR halfback James Webster who completed the Challenge said: “The Hadrian’s Wall Challenge was tough but it was also very rewarding.
“It was an enjoyable four days and it was great a way to raise money for the Benevolent Fund."
Participants reached the finish line at Wallsend, Newcastle on Wednesday 25th June after having set off from Bowness-on-Solway, near Carlisle on the previous Sunday, raising thousands of pounds for the Benevolent Fund in the process.
The second of the Side by Side Challenges was the 'Yorkshire Three Peaks' walk which will took place on the 31st July 2008 with people from throughout the Rugby League community taking part.
Participants came from the entire Rugby League family. Supporters, members of the community game and partners of the sport rubbed shoulders with ex players, members of the media and representatives from the professional game.
To see videos of both challenges please click here:
Hadrian's Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6epqb2hJP3U&feature=PlayList&p=DF94227B1B0E477D&index=0
3 peaks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTDK30-1sY
For full details of the events as well as pictures and videos of previous challenges please click here
