The Firefighters Charity and Scotty’s Little Soldiers broke a world record at the home of Worcester Warriors last weekend – playing a whopping 30 hours of non-stop rugby.
The two charities kicked off their game at 8am on Friday 12 May – and didn’t stop till the following day at 2pm, as the 46 players put their bodies to the ultimate test, all in the name of charity.
In a remarkable effort by both sides, they raised over £50,000 between them for the two causes, as the Firefighters beat Scotty’s Little Soldiers by 1603 points to 1483 at Sixways.
Dan Evans, captain of the Firefighters Charity team, said: “Despite having played rugby for 20 years, playing rugby for 30 hours was easily the hardest thing I have ever put myself through.
“There was a point at around 2am with 12 hours to go where it was raining, cold, dark, there was no music playing, and I’d just been woken from a 20-minute nap. It was a very dark time for the players on the pitch, we were all in pain, and had a lifeless expression on our faces. I began to wonder what I got myself into and if we were actually going to finish it.
“But a group hug between the two teams and some motivational words from the guys meant those thoughts soon passed and we were focused on making it to sunrise.”
Upon reaching the final whistle, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as the players, families, and everyone involved ran onto the pitch to celebrate the fantastic achievement.
Evans admitted: “There were tears in our eyes when we'd realised we’d done it. I’d never met any of these lads before the game, but after two days, they felt like my best mates.”
Following the game, the players didn’t even get the chance to go to bed – they soon had an awards ceremony and an evening function to attend.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers captain Chris Harris added: “The award ceremony was a proud moment where all the players shared some celebratory bottles of bubbly and a few snaps together. Despite hardly being able to walk in the evening, sharing drinks with the other guys was priceless.
“It’s not just a world record, it's the difference we have made for the children and the parents.”
After putting themselves through 30 hours of rugby, Firefighter Charity skipper Evans revealed: “The last few days have seen my legs failing to support my body weight, I’ve lost a few toenails, and I’m struggling to get out of bed – but I'd do it all again!
“A few of the lads gained some more serious injuries such as broken toes but as reiterated by all, our pain is temporary, whereas the pain of the people who this money is going to, will never go away.”
If you’d like to donate to the charities or for more information visit firefighterscharity.org.uk or scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk.