A Penrith wheelchair rugby club has received a boost of £1,000 towards its ongoing fundraising by Barratt Homes, ahead of its new season.
Founded in 2020, Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby Club offers accessible sports for a large number of people throughout Penrith and the wider Cumbria area, with it being the only club of its kind within 150 miles.
The club recently organised a 10k Push Challenge with its players, which raised over £2,000 for the club ahead of the new season. Barratt Homes, based nearby at its Carleton Chase development, supported this incredible challenge with a further donation of £1,000 from its Legacy fund.
Megan Fearnley, Founder of Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby Club, said: “Disability sport can be quite expensive. Just for two-wheel guards you’re looking at anywhere between £350 to £500. As a club, we try to cover as much as we can for players as some work full-time, some part-time, and others can’t work at all.
“We do our best to help with equipment and hotel stays for tournaments, which are all down south.
“Thanks to the generosity of the local communities and Barratt Homes, the Pumas have already raised over £3,000, including cash on the night of the challenge and direct contributions to the club’s account.
“The funds will go towards vital playing equipment, travel and other essential costs ahead of the club’s first season competing at Premiership level this April. Players were thrilled to see their hard work paying off with the event marking both a physical challenge and a powerful display of community spirit.”
Players from the club pushed 10k, or 416 lengths of the court, in their wheelchairs, cheered on by supporters throughout the evening. The fundraiser was designed to help the club meet growing costs after its promotion to the Wheelchair Rugby Premiership at the end of the 2025 season.
Rhys Nicholson, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “We are delighted to support Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby Club to help ensure that itcan continue its great work within the community. Accessible sports are incredibly important to those that may be interested but face disadvantages.
“We are committed to creating a positive impact on the surrounding areas in which we build new homes and wish the club the very best of luck ahead of its new season in the Wheelchair Rugby Premiership.”
To find out more about the club, visit the website at Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
