Oswestry Rugby Club are teaming up with a local children’s charity to raise money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club joined forces with The Movement Centre to take on a challenge of travelling the same distance as around the world, within 60 days, by walking running, skipping, canoeing, swimming or cycling.

It will be the second big challenge the club and charity have come together to complete, after they set a new world record for the largest rugby union lesson.

A target for their fundraiser has been set at £24,901 – a pound for every mile needed to reach the target.

Club chairman Warren Howell confirmed funds raised will be given to the club and the charity, and hopes people from the community can help them where possible.

He said: “Being a rugby club, it’s hard for us to get some support like other campaigns do.

“It just started off as an idea to keep kids fit during lockdown – a few parents were asking if there was any exercises or anything we could give the kids.

“A few of the coaches have been doing different things with their age groups, so we thought we’d try something different.

“We’d seen some other rugby clubs doing similar challenges, so we thought if we could do this as a whole club, we have more than 350 members from our juniors, girls, seniors and veterans sections.

“So we thought of looking at a bigger target, and we wanted to see if we could make up the distance of travelling around the world.

“We thought if we joined up with The Movement Centre, we could raise awareness for them while doing it too.

“They do a fantastic job with their targeted treatment and all the services they offer.

“What we’re doing is raising money and splitting it with The Movement Centre as well.

“It will be some accomplishment if we can do it.”

Warren has worked out that if 400 people participate in the challenge, they each need to complete a mile a day, and raise a little more than £1 a day, to reach the target within the 60 days set.

He is hoping participants are able to get sponsors for their efforts and called on businesses who may wish to donate or sponsor too.

He said: “We’d love the support of the community if they would be willing to help us.

“We’re really keen for kids to get active and continue exercising.

“For anyone who would like to take part, a track has been set up at the club, so people can walk or jog around there safely as long as they’re clocking up the miles for us.

“We’ve got a good little team organising this, and fingers crosses we can raise some money.

“I’ve set the target high, but I’m realistic – any help we can get would be brilliant.

“It helps to give them another purpose and we teach them a lot of respect and good values including teamwork and keeping them fit and healthy.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/OswestryRugbyClub and TheMovementCentre.

To take part or find out more information contact Oswestry Rugby Club through its Facebook page.