Lexi Chambers, a five-time world record holder, Army veteran, and former NHS nurse from Exeter, set off yesterday (Sunday, 10 August) on a journey covering 322 miles from Twickenham to Sunderland over the course of 10 days.

The challenge, equivalent to 10 ultramarathons, began at Twickenham Stadium and will see Chambers deliver the match whistle for the opening game of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in Sunderland on 22 August.

Speaking about why she is attempting the feat, Chambers said: "Most people think I'm a bit crazy, I suppose, but it's quite simple for me — it's women's rugby.

"Last year, I finished a challenge where I tried to spread the word about women's rugby as much as possible.

"I carried the ball from one end of the country to the other to say to people: 'If you haven't watched the sport, just give it a go,' because you never know, it could inspire you like it inspired me."

Chambers was handed the official match whistle at a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium on 8 August, presented by tournament Managing Director Sarah Massey, ChildFund Rugby ambassadors, including Leicester Tigers Women's Zainab Alema, and members of the local community.

Massey told the audience: "This is all about marking this amazing occasion, to send Lexi off on her way with the official whistle.

"This truly captures the spirit of what the Women's Rugby World Cup is all about.

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"We wish you absolutely every support, we're all behind you the whole way. Please look after the whistle because we do need it for the opening match."

Ahead of her journey, Chambers told Twickenham Nub News: "I am very proud to be handing that whistle over and I'm just gobsmacked that I'm even doing it in the first place. It's a huge honour for me."

(Left to right) Victoria Rush, Lexi Chambers and Sarah Massey (credit: Nub News).

Chambers' challenge will conclude at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, 20 August, during the tournament's opening fixture between England's Red Roses and the USA.

Not only is she completing the journey over 10 days, but she is doing it in a standard everyday wheelchair.

"I suppose if you make it easier on yourself then what's the point in doing it," said the Army veteran.

"For me, it's all about accessibility, sports chairs are really expensive.

"To me, if you have a pair of trainers you can go for a run, and if you have a wheelchair, you can go for a wheel.

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"It's that simple. It's about making sport available for everybody."

The former NHS nurse is fundraising for ChildFund Rugby UK, World Rugby's global social impact partner for this year's tournament.

Proceeds will support girls and young women who face barriers to participating in sport.

Megan Knight from ChildFund Rugby UK commented: "We are just so proud to have Lexi as one of our ambassadors and for all that she's taking on in support of the work we're doing.

"Lexi hasn't had a chance to meet any of our players or coaches in person yet, but she did have a great call with Laokan, one of the leaders for Pass It Back in Laos.

"Laokan was one of the founders of Pass It Back in her community, and now she's managing 40 coaches and 120 teams.

"Lexi is making it possible for hundreds more like Laokan to change their communities through rugby, and we're excited to support her on this mission."

Donations to Chambers' Race to Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 fundraiser will help more women and girls play, learn, and lead through rugby, with a focus on gender equity, youth leadership, and inclusion.

To find out more and support Chambers and ChildFund Rugby UK, click here.

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