A five-time world record holder, Army veteran, and disability advocate will depart from Twickenham Stadium this week on an ambitious 322-mile challenge to deliver the official match whistle for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

Lexi Chambers, who lives with chronic pain conditions and had her leg amputated due to complex regional pain syndrome, will set off from the home of English rugby on Sunday, 10 August, wheeling an ultramarathon a day for 10 consecutive days.

Her journey will end in Sunderland on Wednesday, 20 August, ahead of the tournament's opening fixture between England's Red Roses and the USA.

Using her everyday, non-sport wheelchair, Chambers' challenge has never been attempted before and, if completed, could land her a sixth world record.

"It's quite overwhelming for a huge women's rugby fan to be selected to be the Ambassador for the Race to the Women's Rugby World Cup," said Chambers.

"There couldn't be a bigger honour and I'm just absolutely gobsmacked that they chose me to do it. I just hope I do them proud."

Each day, Chambers will cover over 50km (31 miles), stopping overnight in towns along the route and receiving community send-offs from local rugby clubs, including in Peterborough.

"You do get tough days when you're in pain all the time. But if you remember 'never give up' it gets you through," said the five-time world record holder.

Chambers' journey is not just about breaking records. She is using the challenge to raise funds and awareness for ChildFund Rugby, the global social impact partner of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

Proceeds will support young people, particularly girls and young women, who face barriers to participating in sport. Donations will help them play, learn, and lead through rugby, with a focus on gender equity, youth leadership and inclusion.

"Every kilometre Lexi wheels is a call to action: to invest in young people, to challenge what's possible, and to celebrate rugby as a platform for change," said a spokesperson for ChildFund Rugby.

Chambers follows others in delivering the opening match whistle for previous Rugby World Cups:

• London to Tokyo (2019)
• Tokyo to Auckland (2021)
• Auckland to Paris (2023)

This year, Chambers takes up the torch for the Race to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 as the opening match whistle bearer.

To support Chambers' journey and contribute to her fundraising efforts, visit her JustGiving page here.

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