‍♂️ THE LAPLAND EXPRESS 2026 ✨

This July, the players and community at Chesterton FC are lacing up our boots early for our biggest challenge yet. We are beginning our virtual journey to run 2,026 miles—the exact distance from Chesterton straight to Santa’s Village in Lapland.

While we are hoping to raise a little bit of money for a new team kit that will proudly display The Hummingbird Centre to further raise awareness , our true mission and primary focus is to support an absolute lifeline in our community: The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, Bicester.

Why We Are Running

The Hummingbird Centre is a cancer support and therapy centre that does something truly extraordinary: they hold the hands of children who are either on a cancer journey themselves or watching a family member battle the disease.

When a family is hit by cancer, the world turns upside down. Suddenly, things like Christmas trees, presents, and holiday magic disappear from view. Parents are fighting for survival, and the children are left trying to navigate a scary, overwhelming world. The Hummingbird Centre steps into that darkness and brings light.

A Cause Deeply Rooted in Our Football Family

This isn't just another charity event for us. It’s deeply personal. Ethan, who is a part of our football family, has relied on The Hummingbird Centre.

Through their play therapy and one-to-one support, the centre became his absolute lifeline. In a world where Ethan felt so isolated and completely different from everyone else, The Hummingbird Centre brought him together with other children who truly understood his struggle. It showed him he wasn't alone.

"It might sound like a cliché, but in a world where we didn’t have a clue what was going on, The Hummingbird Centre picked us up, held us together, and helped us move forward."

Our Goal: Spreading Christmas Cheer

Though our journey starts in the summer warmth of July, our eyes are fixed on December. We want to spread pure Christmas joy to these innocent children at what is undoubtedly the most difficult time of their young lives.

Our goal is to raise enough funds to buy Christmas presents for the children at the centre—giving families a moment of comfort, peace, and normalcy when they need it most.

Also raising vital funds to allow The Hummingbird to offer such support to the community.

How You Can Help

We need our community to rally behind us as we clock up the miles over the coming months. Every mile we run is a step closer to making a child smile this Christmas.

DONATE: Every pound helps us buy a gift or fund vital therapy sessions.

SHARE: Please hit share on this post. Help us spread awareness for the incredible work done at The Hummingbird Centre.

Let’s help the Hummingbird Centre keep picking families up. Thank you for your support! ️⚽

#LaplandExpress2026 #ChestertonFC #TheHummingbirdCentre #CancerSupport #Bicester #FootballFamily #RunningForCharity #JulyLaunch