Two Mighty Oaks who have contributed considerably to the Senior Squad success this season are undertaking a further challenge in the name of charity.
Matt Holmes has played a pivotal part in Oaks season. Photo Credit: David Purday
Not content with being a stand-out performer for the 1st XV this season at scrum half, Matt Holmes will be running the London Marathon this year in aid of the Dementia Revolution. The scrum half, who has had a sterling season in the navy and gold, is aiming to raise over £2000 for a charity close to his heart.
‘A number of years ago, our wonderful Nonna was diagnosed with dementia, so my sister Katie and I are running together to raise money and awareness of the Dementia Revolution charity’ said Matt. He continued ‘Dementia is the biggest health threat facing society and there are no effective treatments to slow, prevent or cure it. It’s a brutal disease. There is progress being made, but we need to raise more money and awareness to help people living with this condition.’
With matches on a Saturday and rugby training twice a week, Holmes has had to fit in his running in and around his rugby schedule. A tough assignment. ‘I’ve always wanted to do a marathon – it’s a challenge I’m really excited for. It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie, but with the help of the physio team and the understanding of the coaching staff, I’ve been able to juggle all the running and rugby. It’s been a really physical league this year and a lot of matches have gone to the wire, so the body has been sore, but I’ve managed to get some good mileage in the legs. With a potential opportunity to win the league, as well as running a marathon, April could be a pretty special month.’
Harry Holder is a key member of the Oaks medical dept. Photo Credit: David Purday
Another Oak who has played a key role in the Club’s success this season is physio Harry Holder. Harry, who is in the third season with the Oaks, is running the Paris Marathon on 14th April, a day after Oaks last game of the season, aiming to raise over £1000 for Cancer Research UK.
Harry , who is aiming to complete the marathon in under four hours, also has a personal drive for the marathon, saying ‘My best mate Calum and I have both lost famiy to cancer so Cancer Research UK is a charity close to our hearts. We have raised a good amount so far but every penny counts so we have a Charity Darts night after the last home game of the season this Saturday.’
He continued ‘Training has been tough – mainly because I’ve missed having a beer with the boys after the game! But with the marathon and the last game on the same weekend, I’ll certainly be raising a glass or two come Sunday night – hopefully after achieving a good marathon time and following an Oaks win!’
To support both Matt and Harry, please follow the links below and donate:
Matt Holmes Page Click Here
Harry Holder Page Click Here