It’s come to that time of year again where the University of Lincoln Hockey Club fundraise in memory of Grace Millane. Grace was a bright light within ULHC with the brightest smile and most contagious laugh. She had the biggest heart, and was there for anyone no matter the time of day or how busy she was. She captained the Ladies 2’s in her second year and when off the pitch she was always on the sidelines cheering on the teams and the club. Along with this, you could guarantee she would be dancing the nights away with VKs in hand in Quack, whipping her hair back and forth to Proud Mary by Tina Turner and singing her guts out to Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. In December 2018, Grace was tragically murdered on her 22nd birthday while travelling in New Zealand. As a club, we continue to fight for the global end of Male violence against Women and the global end of the Rough Sex Defence. Her memory is continued in everything that those who knew and loved her do. 

In loving memory of Grace, ULHC along with other University of Lincoln sports clubs and societies, as well as other Universities are going to be challenging themselves to complete 24 kilometres in the week of the 1st of December to the 8th of December. This will be completed in support of charities that are close in the hearts of Grace’s family and friends. Each person who participates will complete the distance by either walking, running, cycling or swimming. The 24 kilometre distance is in honour of Grace’s 24th birthday which would have been on the 2nd of December.

This year’s chosen charities are:

 EDAN Lincs – This is a charity for Domestic Abuse Services which cover the county of Lincolnshire, and provide support and assistance for women, men and children suffering or fleeing from domestic abuse. Their mission is to support and empower all those effected by domestic abuse, and to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse and promote intolerance of it. They are working towards a society in which freedom of movement and speech is the right of everyone to achieve quality of life. They provide safe, emergency, temporary accommodation and support to any male or female– with or without children – experiencing abuse.

 White Ribbon UK – They are the leading charity that is ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. They act as the catalyst, encouraging people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour. 

 Lucie Blackman Trust – This amazing charity works globally to help provide families with information, liaison, advice and support throughout missing persons case overseas. Since 2008 they have been providing revolutionary levels of care to families of British murder or manslaughter victims. They offer advice, logistical support, repatriation assistance, problem solving, fundraising support and much more to victims of any serious crime overseas. They were a huge source of support to Grace’s family when she was missing. 

 All money raised is to be evenly split amongst these three incredible and inspirational charities.