Story
My Marathon Journey for the Rugby League Family
Taking on 26.2 miles is a daunting prospect, but every time my legs feel heavy during training, I remind myself of the powerful legacy that now drives me forward. This year, I have committed to running the marathon to raise vital funds for the Rugby League Benevolent Fund. This incredible organisation provides a lifeline to players who have suffered life-altering, catastrophic injuries while playing the sport that has recently come to define so much of my own story.
While the physical toll of a marathon is significant, it is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by the individuals this charity supports. When a player suffers a spinal cord injury or a permanent disability on the field, their entire world changes in an instant. The Benevolent Fund ensures they are never forgotten, providing everything from specialist equipment and home adaptations to long-term emotional and financial support.
Uncovering My Rugby League Roots
While my personal journey with Rugby League has only recently begun, it has quickly become a cornerstone of my identity as I uncover the deep-rooted connections I never knew I had. I am discovering that my heritage is inextricably linked to this game, and tracing these newly found roots has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a profound pride in my background.
I am walking a path that was paved long ago by my dad, Mick Turner. As a true stalwart of the game, Mick has dedicated his life to the sport, demonstrating the incredible grit and dedication that Rugby League demands. Seeing the game’s impact through his lifelong involvement has helped me piece together my own history. My sense of belonging is now firmly planted in the Shaw Cross Sharks community club, a place that represents the very heartbeat of grassroots rugby and the foundation of the heritage I am so proud to embrace.
In Rugby League, they often talk about the "RL family." They look after their own, and they stand tall when one of their community is in need. By supporting my marathon run, you are not just helping me reach the finish line; you are directly contributing to the well-being of players who have given everything to the game but now face their toughest battles off the pitch.
Rugby League is more than just a game; it is a community that looks after its own. The Benevolent Fund ensures that when the cheering stops and the lights go down, no injured player is left to struggle alone.
Why Your Support is Vital
Every donation, regardless of the size, makes a tangible difference to the lives of the most seriously injured players and their families. It helps provide the dignity, independence, and care that these brave individuals deserve. I am putting in the gruelling hours of training and the long miles so that the Rugby League Benevolent Fund can continue its essential work, ensuring that no member of our community is ever left to struggle alone.