In January 2022, I established Savvy Panthers. Savvy is an elite women's rugby 7s programme. It was created in an attempt to give women in rugby exposure and experiences through opportunity and professional approaches.

On Sunday 11th February 2024, I will start running 250 miles in 7 days, an average of between 35 and 40 miles per day, from Newbury to Chester to raise funds for both Brave Mind and Savvy Panthers. I will be sharing the total amount raised equally between both parties.

On Saturday 14th May 2022, Savvy played their first-ever tournament in the UK Super Sevens Series at Newbury RFC. On Saturday 18th March 2023, the Panthers hosted their first-ever training day at Chester RUFC. Two very big milestones for our programme, therefore creating the start and finish of my route.

The 50% raised for Savvy Panthers will ultimately allow us to compete in 2024. Although I have been lucky to secure some sponsorship along the way, I have used a lot of my own funding to ensure that this family that has been created continues to grow in the direction that we aspire. Sadly, and inevitably, I now need financial help. Finding sponsorships or investors has become increasingly challenging and I need to ensure endorsements for the 2024 season.

Without an income directly sourced for Savvy this year, we will not be able to compete. The idea of running 250 miles is a no-brainer for me in comparison to the idea of not operating as a team, and therefore not competing every summer weekend in a new part of the world.

In January 2023, Brave Mind joined our mission and ethos. Simon Trowers of Brave Mind has been incredible for us and believed in us when, as a newly formed team, many didn't. I want to show my support for Simon by running for his highly valued charity.

The 50% raised for Brave Mind will be used to train the Savvy staff and players in mental health first aid. It will also cover the cost of hosting mental health workshops for all of our players as well as giving them a safe space to talk if necessary. The additional funding will then be added to a Brave Mind x Savvy pot where we will be looking to attend rugby clubs and schools to help raise awareness around the importance of putting mental health at the heart of their community.

Everyone at Brave Mind works tirelessly in the rugby mental health space to make talking about and supporting each other with mental health the norm. According to Brave Mind, 25% of rugby players, that we know of, experience poor mental health. Brave Mind provides a national platform to take action and help rugby clubs and schools improve their approach to supporting mental health in their community.

With Brave Mind joining the team in 2023, it has enabled me to create an environment where our players feel safe, trusted and encouraged. My ethos with our players has always been to help them feel valued in all walks of life. This has become the team mindset over the last two seasons.

A happy player is a great player...

In 2 seasons, the Panthers have welcomed 128 women from across the world to participate in 3 International competitions and over 20 domestic tournaments in the UK.

We have had success, we have conquered, and we have made some incredible memories. However, the most important part of running this programme to me is that all of our players are confident and secure in our shirt to enable them to be themselves. I am hoping that our strong connection with Brave Mind and your generosity will help us ensure this safe space for our players. This safe space will be created by the mental health support that we gain and can offer, but also by the ability to play regularly together, with friends through enjoyment and passion.

I will be using the Savvy Panthers Instagram page (@savvypanthers) to document the fundraiser. So, please follow this page for updates.

Thank you for your support.

Fin