WHITEHAVEN RL players have raised a four-figure amount to hand over to charity after completing a series of challenges.

The majority of the squad took part in five daily challenges to raise money for worthy causes during the coronavirus lockdown.

So far they have raised and been pledged around the £2,800 mark, which will be split between Scrub Hub, Kebsi 13, Number 11 and The Sandwich Man, and the Hungry Caterpillar.

Scrub Hub are making gowns for the NHS and care home staff; Kebsi 13 was established on behalf of former Workington and Maryport player Kevin Gartland who suffers from motor neurone disease, while the three food outlets are providing meals for the NHS and other key workers.

Team manager Des Byrne said: “The lads wanted to do something for the people who matter in the coronavirus crisis – the NHS staff on the front line and the key workers in the locality.

“We did all the challenges last week and our JustGiving page will close tomorrow but so far with the money that as come in and what we are expecting in, we will have raised around £2,800 which is fantastic.

“It has been a great effort from the players and also from the supporters who have donated.

“In another nice touch, Paul McGee from the Hungry Caterpillar has said however many dinners our money will supply for his company to make for keyworkers, he will match it to double it which is great.”

Players got involved with a 5k run; a 10k bike ride; 200 burpees and 300 push-ups during the week before finishing off with a different challenge – eating five boiled eggs without taking a drink.

Haven are also getting behind the frontline staff even further as the club offers all NHS workers free entry to their first home game at The Recreation ground when the season restarts.

You can still donate to the players’ appeal until tomorrow by going to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wrl?utm_term=vmkKEgAqE