THREE REDDITCH basketball coaches will be tackling an epic hiking challenge to raise money for their club.
Ellie Pierpoint has been fundraising for the last two years to keep Redditch Basketball Club running after the pandemic.
But this year she is joined by fellow coaches Regan Austin, and Jacqueline Evans.
They wanted to push themselves, so signed up for the Three Peaks Challenge.
Ellie said: “The first year I ran the length of the Grand Canyon and last year I did a 24 hour walk.
“Because we want to raise as much money as possible, we thought we’d try and test our fitness.”
The three coaches are using the Malvern Hills to train for the epic challenge, which will see them cover a staggering 462 total miles up Snowdon in Wales
Scafell Pike in England and Ben Nevis, in Scotland.
Ellie added: “Redditch Basketball Club is run by Dave Bradshaw who set the club up over 25 years ago
“He’s coached so many generations in Redditch and still continues to today.
“The club ranges from under 9 all the way to senior men and women at arrow vale sports centre.
“The club has helped me massively improve my basketball skills, especially coaching from Dave.”
Ellie is now plays for city of Birmingham Rockets in their Women’s First Team, as well as coaching junior players at Redditch Basketball Club.
Dave Bradshaw has funded the club out of his own pocket since setting it up.
The aim is to ensure the club is accessible for everyone, no matter what their background.
His passion for the sport and his students is what inspired Ellie, Regan and Jacqueline to start their annual fundraising.
They hope to raise £1,500 to go towards the day to day running of the club.
Ellie added: “We want to give back as much as we can in support of Dave and all the work he has done with players over the years.”
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/redditch-awards-evening to donate.
