Lexi Chambers, a five-time world record holder, Army veteran, and former NHS nurse is currently on a journey covering 322 miles, equivalent to 10 ultramarathons, from Twickenham to Sunderland over the course of ten days.
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Call Race to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Lexi will deliver the match whistle for the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Sunderland on Friday, August 22.
On Sunday there was a welcome ceremony and on Monday (August 18) York RFU organised an event from 7am to 7.30am at their Shipton Road ground to cheer Lexi on as she left on the next stage of her journey.
Lexi departed from Clifton Park after an event where she met the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley.
Lexi with the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley (Image: Supplied) Lexi said: “It was great to be in York for the welcome ceremony on Sunday as well as the wonderful send-off event that took place on Monday morning at York RUFC. I loved chatting to the players and staff that came along. I was especially honoured that the Lord Mayor attended the event too. I love rugby so it means a lot for me to be supported by this wonderful club and city.”
Cllr Rowley said: “It was a real honour to meet Lexi as she continues her incredible journey across the country. Her journey is hugely inspirational and her achievements are astounding.
“I was delighted to celebrate her efforts at both the Welcome Ceremony on Sunday and alongside many others as we applauded her as she began her eighth marathon out of ten on her journey north on Monday. I wish Lexi and her team all the best as she finishes off her challenge and would urge those that can to support her – I know it means a huge amount to her, her team and ChildFund Rugby, the charity she is raising funds for.”
Lexi has fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome, with the latter resulting in her leg being amputated. Despite living with several chronic pain conditions, Lexi continues to break boundaries and inspire others to reach for their goals, no matter the challenges they may face.
As a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Lexi is using her journey to raise funds and awareness for ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby’s global Social Impact Partner for the tournament. Together, they aim to reach 500,000 young people by 2030, using rugby-based programmes to promote leadership, gender equity, and life skills around the world.
Lexi was handed the official match whistle at a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, August 8, by tournament managing director Sarah Massey.
To donate to Lexi’s fundraising go to Just Giving here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/raceto2025