*for BSL translation please scroll to the end of the text*

Bec Belles are an inclusive competitive rugby team playing in NC2 league based in Tooting, London. Surprisingly 25 Bec Belles & Loz (head coach / biggest fan) have signed up to run the Oxford Half to fundraise for SignHealth. It will be the first time running a half marathon for 16 of our players - a full team!

We are excited to fundraise for SignHealth, a charity who work to improve the health and wellbeing of Deaf people. As a team we are passionate about inclusion and want to see more Deaf people in sport - especially rugby! We hope that by doing this race we can raise awareness of the need for accessible sport and raise the profile of women's rugby.

This season Bec Belles have grown in numbers and have welcomed Deaf players into the team. Training and games are accessible via a Communication Support Worker (CSW) and the whole team have been proactive learning BSL on and off the pitch.

Rugby provides physical activity as well as social and community engagement and helps to maintain positive mental wellbeing.

Our Deaf players have loved creating sign names for team mates this season, some pictured in the race day squad photos - see if you can guess why they have been given! (To find the photos click on the cover photo and scroll).

We appreciate all the support so far and are grateful for every donation, share and motivational comment.

We will introduce the race day squad as we build up to the Oxford Half and keep you updated with our training!