25km Run & Bake Sale: A Family Fundraiser Mission

Topsham RFC is like family to me. I joined twelve years ago after moving to the area, and helped set up our women’s team—the Topsham Tempests. Since then, I’ve spent most weekends at the club: first as women's club captain, now as a trustee and team manager for my son’s under-7s team, as well as the occasional game for the Tempests. My son was down at the club before he was even a week old, proudly sporting his Topsham RFC babygrow—and it’s no surprise he couldn’t wait to join the team himself.

This club is a special place. It embodies everything that’s great about rugby: community, support, friendship, and fun. When I first joined, we were just moving into our new clubhouse extension. That upgrade gave the women’s team a real home—and now we need to grow again.

The current clubhouse renovation project will make a huge difference to the future of Topsham RFC. We’re building a bigger, better space for players, supporters, and families—including a children’s play area, which I know will be a lifesaver for rugby parents like me! Please check out the main page if youd be interested in buying a brick for our wall of supporters!

To help boost our fundraising, last week I signed up to run the Amway River Bank 25km on 10th May. I love running, but usually stick to short distances—and until last week, I hadn’t run regularly more than 10km in over two years! I barely craled to the end of a 20km trial attempt last week, but your donations will keep me going through those final painful kilometres. To make this extra tricky I will also be jetlagged, having landed in the US less than 36 hours before the race, and everyone already knows about my knee issues after numerous ACL and meniscus operations over the years!

Not to be left out, my son Dylan is doing his bit too—he’ll be running a cake stall at Topsham RFC at the Lineout Live event on 4th May, with more to come. Please come along (tickets can be bought in advance here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/topshamrfc), enjoy the event, and treat yourself to something sweet while supporting the club.

This is a fundraiser on behalf of the "Transforming Topsham RFC Clubhouse: Brick-by-Brick" crowdfunding project and so every penny raised goes to this project. If you love what Topsham RFC stands for—or just enjoy cake and a challenge—please donate and share!