TEENAGERS from Dursley Rugby Club undertook a gruelling walk on Saturday inspired by their former coach who was diagnosed with cancer this year. 

The players, from the club's under 16s side, have raised £1,795 for charity after completing the gruelling 13 mile walk. 

Starting at Stroud Rugby Club and ending at Dursley Rugby Club, the team walked the Cotswold Way carrying a 50kg dummy on a stretcher to raise money for Myeloma UK.

The challenge was inspired by former Dursley coach Nadine Thomas who was diagnosed with Myeloma this year, a type of bone marrow cancer that attacks the white blood cells. 

The coaches and players wanted to show their support and came up with the Carry Me Home Challenge.

Gazette Series: Teenagers from Dursley Rugby Club as they walk from Stroud to Dursley during a challenge inspired Coach Jim Burns said: "Nadine has coached hundreds of children and has helped them build their confidence as well as teaching them strong rugby values.

"This was a difficult challenge for the team, symbolising our solidarity with Nadine and recognising the importance of rugby family and how we can support each other through difficult and testing times." 

Starting at Stroud Rugby Club at 9am, the team faced cold, wet and muddy conditions for the long walk to Stinchcombe, taking it in turns to carry the 50kg stretcher and stopping only at the official checkpoints of Coaley Peak, Cam Peak and the Old Spot pub.

Here friends and family waited with hot drinks and cheers. 

They arrived at Dursley Rugby Club at 2.45pm to discover they had raised £1,795.

Gazette Series: Teenagers from Dursley Rugby Club as they walk from Stroud to Dursley during a challenge inspiredNadine is still undergoing treatment but was able to see the team off and greet them at checkpoints along the way. 

She said: “The support I’ve received from the whole club and especially this group of boys, is fantastic. 

"It was a gruelling walk in cold and wet weather but they were smiling and laughing at every checkpoint. 

"Not many people know about Myeloma and as well as raising money, this challenge is also raising awareness of this type of cancer.

"I was lucky, my back pain symptoms made my GP look further resulting in my diagnosis and swift treatment programme.

"Thank you to everyone who took part, this money will make a difference to Myeloma UK.”