7 August 2023 News
A charity relay run featuring rugby union players from nine clubs will kick off on Friday 11 August to raise money in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
Starting at Winchester FC, The Longest Try will see runners from each club complete a 15-mile stretch before passing the ball to the next club in line. After two days and a huge number of relay runners, the ball will arrive at Twickenham Stadium in time for the final runner to score a try in front of crowds gathering for the England v Wales World Cup warm-up match.
The event is in support of the MND Association, Gloucester Rugby Foundation in its support of Ed Slater and Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation in celebration of the life of Paul Rendall.
Leicester Tiger and Gloucester Rugby second row, Ed Slater, was diagnosed with MND in July 2022. Paul Rendall, former England World Cup prop, known as 'the Judge', died from MND in June 2023.
I created the original Longest Try in 1989 in support of Help the Aged covering 1,721 miles with the Pontypool front row scoring the try at Cardiff Arms Park. Our rugby family has been hit hard losing Doddie Weir, and with Ed Slater diagnosed with motor neurone disease as well as Paul Rendall, I decided to act! I worked for the MND Association for six years and saw firsthand the devastation this disease causes the individual, their family and friends. I recreated The Longest Try in support of people living with MND and whilst I scaled back my national coverage ambition, I still have some fantastic and committed clubs running in the event to score the try at Twickenham on Saturday. We are raising funds via club registration, runner and club sponsorship, a silent auction and donations and all support is most welcome.
Sue Dorrington, former England rugby union player and creator of the Longest Try
The rugby community is a force to be reckoned with and it is invaluable to have this community standing with us as we work together to defeat this devasting disease. MND is incredibly cruel and robs people of the ability to walk, talk, eat, and ultimately breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure and no effective treatment. As well as investing millions of pounds into vital research, the MND Association improves care for people affected by MND and campaigns on their behalf so their needs and those of everyone who cares for them are recognised and addressed by wider society. We’re so grateful to the rugby clubs taking part in The Longest Try for helping us to continue our work.
Sharon King, Regional Fundraiser for the MND Association
Clubs taking part in The Longest Try:
Winchester RFC, Alton RFC, Farnham RFC, Effingham & Leatherhead RFC, Esher RFC, Chobham RFC, Reading RFC, Bracknell RFC, Wasps RFC