Charity

In April 2009 Rugbytots decided to join forces with the NSPCC to raise awareness and stop cruelty to children. At Rugbytots we aim to build confidence in a fun and caring environment, something some unfortuanate children have never experienced.

The NSPCC is inspired by a belief that they can make a difference for all children. Even if it takes many generations to realise it, they achieve much more for children by having this inspirational vision. For many children, ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline are their only hope. The NSPCC need to sustain and grow both helplines so that they can answer these cries for help, at whatever time of day or night they come.

With the help of all the NSPCC’s supporters, we are getting closer to ending cruelty to children in the UK. Over the last 10 years The NSPCC has helped over 750000 young children and raising awareness is at the centre of what we do. Lots of time is spent Increasing the amount of public support amongst adults and in 2009 more than 80 per cent of adults regularly reported that ending cruelty to children is one of their top causes – an increase of 65 per cent from the launch of FULL STOP in 1999.

Rugbytots is committed to raising awareness as well as funds for a charity very close to our heart. Everyone at Rugbytots is passionate about children having fun and its one of our overall objectives to raise confidence through the enjoyment of our programme. The thought that any human being could be cruel to a child is beyond belief and we will do everything in our power to help these innocent children suffering.

On May 28th 2010, 30 riders set off from Crystal Palace to embark on a journey to Paris in aid of the NSPCC. The trip comprised of a mixture of Rugbytots coaches, parents, business associates and friends. The cycle ride took us through the Kent & Sussex country side down to Newhaven for an overnight ferry to Dieppe. The sun shined on day 1 however that was the last we saw of the sun. Strong head winds and rain in France made the challenge harder but every member of the team dug deep to complete each stage of the Journey. The trip was very well run by Charity Challenge & Expedition Wise ensuring the safety of the team at all times.

With a common theme of Rugbytots and the shared view of The NSPCC the team bonded quickly and many friends were made. The arrival in to Paris marked a fantastic achievement for each and every member of the team. Having initially set a target of £28k for the team, it is staggering to see a total of £45k going straight to the NSPCC. For a group of 30 to raise this amount of money is an incredible feat and a huge, whole hearted thank you goes to everyone who spared their time and money to sponsor the riders.

So what does this amount of money mean in real terms, well here’s a note from the NSPCC:

Well done...to the RugbyTots London to Paris team, for your fantastic efforts over the weekend. I hope you are recovering well and that you had a great time. Your achievements are tremendous and you will have made an enormous difference to children.

So far you have raised enough to answer almost 10,000 calls to answer our ChildLine service - I thought you might like to see some of the opening lines of the reports that are recorded following some of the typical calls we have received...

When Paula called ChildLine, she couldn't put her feelings into words anymore, she felt numb. She was close to a bridge over a canal ...

Darrin was 13 when he first called about being bullied at school and said he had no idea why the other lads picked on him.....

Caitlin was trying to come to terms with the loss of her father.....

Regular calls by Kerry to ChildLine revealed that Kerry and her sister were being sexually abused by their father....

Kizzie aged 12 rang ChildLine to discuss how she felt about living in a Residential Home and being away from her family and friends..

On behalf of children like Paula, Kizzie, Kerry, Catlin, Darrin and all the 000s of children who call us who will never be able to thank you personally - a special thank you from the NSPCC.

It costs £1,600 to train one volunteer counsellor.to take those calls and £4.00 to answer each call... so..... you HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

Please pass on our thanks to all your sponsors too.

In addition to organising fund raising events Rugbytots aims to spread awareness of the NSPCC by donating 50p of every registration fee. Thanks to the growth of Rugbytots, new registrations are coming in thick and fast with an average of over 1000 per quarter.

Combining the bike ride with donations made through bookings The Rugbytots Team has raised nearly £50k for the year.

Please help us spread the word and spare what you can.