Recently, our rugby community was shaken by the sudden loss of one of the colts parents, John Kemp, who tragically suffered a fatal heart attack at a game. He was a truly lovely man — kind, selfless, and always ready to lend a hand.

Though he and his son Jack had only joined the club for colts, he made a lasting impact on everyone — players, parents, and coaches alike. He gave his time to mentor the Colts whenever he could and embodied everything great about the rugby spirit. Furthermore, for many of the colts, they had played together with Jack across multiple clubs for nearly ten years, making it an even harder face to say goodbye to.

To honour his memory and support others affected by heart conditions, we’re raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, helping to fund vital heart research and support families facing similar heartbreak.

As a tribute and for repayment for the impact he had on our colts team, me, Archie and ex-colt James, have set ourselves the challenge of running 115 miles (185km) — the equivalent distance from the Billesley Common to the Principality Arena — throughout the Six Nations, starting from 5th February . That’s 5km a day for the 37 day-long tournament, through the rain and cold, in honour of a man who was truly rugby through and through, and a proud Welshman at heart. You can keep up to date with our runs here:

Charles Strava: https://strava.app.link/CebPMS8Vx0b

Archie Strava: https://strava.app.link/MxvIX0q2x0b

James Strava: https://strava.app.link/fc8QJrz0A0b

On the final day of the Six Nations, we hope to bring everyone together — former and current Colts, friends, families, and anyone who’d like to join — for a special run from Five Ways Old Edwardians (his former club) to Birmingham Moseley RFC, finishing in time to watch the final games on the 14th March and raise a pint to a lovely man, gone far too soon.

Any donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in supporting life-saving heart research and ensuring that fewer families and friends have to face the same loss we have.

Thank you for your support ❤️