What an incredible achievement, and what a way to finish a very special day at Yeovil Rugby Club.
On Saturday 22nd August, family and friends came together to take on Macca’s Big Walk – a 20-mile challenge from West Bay to Yeovil Rugby Club, raising money for Lymphoma Action in memory of their much-loved friend Neil “Macca” McKernan.
Among the walkers was our own Yeovil Rugby Club Vice Chairman, Luke Hodgson, who played alongside Macca here at Yeovil. Luke was joined by a fantastic group of friends and supporters, some of whom travelled hundreds of miles just to be part of the day.
With an early start and plenty of miles – and hills! – ahead of them, the team set off from West Bay before making their way through the Dorset and Somerset countryside towards Yeovil.
A welcome mid-way stop at Wynyard's Gap gave everyone a chance to regroup before tackling the remaining miles and heading towards the finish line at Yeovil Rugby Club.
A Very Special Finish at YRC
After 20 miles on foot, it was fantastic to welcome the walkers through the gates at Yeovil Rugby Club.
Their arrival was met by friends, family and supporters ready to congratulate them and share in what was a hugely emotional achievement.
The walk was always about far more than completing 20 miles.
It was about remembering Macca, celebrating the person he was and bringing together the people whose lives he touched.
Neil was a much-loved husband to Catherine, dad to Elora and Lucy, friend to so many and a former member of our own rugby family.
For Luke and those who knew and played rugby alongside Macca at Yeovil, having the club as the finishing point made an already special day even more meaningful.
The team originally set themselves a fundraising target of £2,500 for Lymphoma Action.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated and supported the challenge, they have already raised an incredible:
£2,643 – AND COUNTING!
That means the original target has officially been smashed – but the fundraising doesn't have to stop there.
Lymphoma Action provides information, support and connection to people affected by lymphoma, and every additional donation made in Macca's memory will help support the charity's work.
An Incredible Team Effort
As the walkers themselves have said, this was a genuine team effort.
Behind every mile walked was a team of people helping to make the day possible – from the walkers themselves to the support crew, organisers, families, friends and everyone who donated, shared the fundraising page or simply sent messages of encouragement.
A huge well done must go to Luke and every single member of the Macca's Big Walk team.
Twenty miles is an incredible physical challenge, but the reason behind those miles made this something much bigger.
Thank you also to Wynyard's Gap for supporting the team with their mid-way stop, and to everyone who was waiting at Yeovil Rugby Club to give the walkers the welcome they deserved.
There were understandably plenty of mixed emotions throughout the day, but above all it was a wonderful demonstration of friendship and of just how many people Macca brought together.
There's Still Time to Donate
The target may have been smashed, but the fundraising page remains open.
If you haven't donated yet and would like to show your support, there is still time.
Macca's Big Walk – Team Fundraising for Lymphoma Action
https://www.justgiving.com/team/walkforneil
And if you're unable to donate, simply sharing the fundraising page can make a difference by helping the team reach even more people.
From everyone at Yeovil Rugby Club, congratulations to the entire team.
20 miles completed. £2,643 raised and counting. One incredible team, and one very special reason.
Forever in our thoughts – Macca and family. ❤️
MaccasBigWalk #LymphomaAction #ForMacca #YeovilRugbyClub #RugbyFamily
