One of Oxfordshire FA’s affiliated clubs has raised an incredible £8,000 for the Oxford Hospitals Charity, through participating in a running challenge during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Oxfordshire Senior League team, alongside a number of additional individuals, took up the challenge to see how far, collectively, the 22 participants involved could run in the space of the week, having been inspired by Kennington Athletic, who took up the same challenge beforehand.

Those involved ran an incredible 725 miles; the equivalent of running to Glasgow and back.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail’s David Pritchard, midfielder Ben Green said: “We saw what Kennington had done and jokingly said we’ll do it.

“The majority of us don’t like just running – doing a long distance is my worst thought.

“To start with we just wanted to beat £800, but by Wednesday we had got to nearly £1,000 and it just went from there.

“I just think the NHS rings a bell for people at the moment.

“Everyone wanted to play their part.”

Ian Mason, Chief Executive Officer at Oxfordshire FA, added: “Oxfordshire FA would like to congratulate Marston Saints FC, their players and staff on such wonderful achievement raising so much money for Oxford Hospital Charities. 

“Football is going through a difficult time but this shows the very best of those involved in our sport. Thank you Marston Saints, a great effort.”

To donate to the team’s fundraising efforts, please click here