A special mention must go to open-side Sophie McPherson, who last week completed the Race Across the UK in aid of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. Demonstrating remarkable determination and commitment to the cause, Sophie’s fundraising efforts have been truly exceptional. Alongside playing rugby, she walked an incredible 200km across Portugal and completed a 70.3 triathlon, having only taken part in her first adult triathlon in January this year—all while raising vital funds for the charity.
Representing The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Sophie and her teammate Mia took on the challenge of travelling 1,666km from Dartmouth to Inverness in just 2 days and 8 hours. Starting at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, the pair had to solve riddles to reveal the location of each checkpoint before navigating their way there using only public transport, without map apps and on a strict budget of £500.
Their route took them through Plymouth, Bristol, Burnham Thorpe, York, Newcastle, Dumfries, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen before reaching the finish line in Inverness. Completing the journey well within budget, Sophie and Mia demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resourcefulness and resilience throughout the challenge.