Friday 11 March saw a lot of laps and money raised for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at the Malvern Buzzards RC 24 Hour Relay. Club members ran 6K loops whilst carrying the Ukrainian flag and local businesses played their part too. 

Whilst we are seeing the worst of human nature in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the crisis has also brought out the best in people with donations and fundraising initiatives such as this taking place for the Disasters Emergency Commission (DEC). 

Worcestershire based Malvern Buzzards RC is a keen supporter of charities along with local shops and venues and like many of us, have been shocked by the events in Ukraine and wanted to do something to help. They decided to organise a 24 hour relay run that would draw attention to the Ukrainians' plight and raise funds for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, enabling them to provide food, water, shelter and medical care.

The relay started on Friday at 6pm and finished at 6pm on Saturday with 54 club members running 6K laps around Malvern. They were joined by several virtual runners from Penrith, Scotland and Dubai, eager to lend a hand (or feet!). 

A number of businesses were involved that included Printed Banners & Signs who made and supplied the Ukrainian flag: Abbey Road Coffee, The Old Con Club, The Red Lion Cradley and The Water Cure had collection buckets for cash donations.   

The club’s altruistic endeavour has resulted in more than £7,000 being raised for the appeal. 

Malvern Buzzards RC said: “Amazing members! Amazing community! Amazing town! Our 24 hour relay run was more successful than we could ever have imagined. Thank you so much to all who donated.” 

A list of all the runners who participated in the 24 Hour Relay has been posted on the 
Malvern Buzzards Facebook page in recognition of their efforts. 

Image courtesy of Sarah Turner (Press Officer, Malvern Buzzards RC).