Seemingly with too much time on his hands during lock-down... Bourne Blades stalwart and Committee Member Mike Craddock conjured up the idea of a virtual relay from John O'Groats to Land's End, initially with the Veterans in mind, to help with fitness.

On Monday 11th May 2020, the initial group of 30 volunteers, bolstered by a sprinkling of non-playing Committee Members, set off to cover the gruelling 874-mile trip, recording their runs or bike rides on a relevant app, then passing on the virtual baton to the next "eager" recipient as they finished each leg.

Initial progress was spritely and, as word spread, more volunteers came forward from the ranks of the Vets, Seniors, Committee and WAGS - and the banter blossomed on WhatsApp and Facebook.

As the group homed in on Land's End, the year-groups from U7s-U15s also teamed up and ran/cycled their own virtual "Road to Wembley" relays on Saturday 23rd May - some great team efforts and a huge boost to the fundraising numbers, thanks to the boys & girls, their parents, relatives and friends!

Then, on Sunday 24th May, just 2 weeks after starting out, Mike Craddock & Dom Hollis triumphantly ran the final leg together to get us to our virtual final destination - Land's End. Well, actually the Bourne Green!

Great efforts by all concerned and well done to Mike and his support team for organising it all - and to all those who have given so generously!

As at 19th June the fundraising total stood at an outstanding £6,906.67, 230% of the original £3k target (£8,473.22 including Gift Aid) with the funds to be split between two great local charities, both of which have suffered due to the lock-down as a result of the pandemic: Phyllis Tuckwell & Change Of Scene.

Donations can still be made at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BourneBlades