Rugby Union club members walk from Highfields to Twickenham
Five University of Nottingham students - dubbed the 'Hairy Hikers' - have achieved the impressive feat of walking from the university’s Highfields Sports Complex all the way to Twickenham in support of Movember.
Published 16 Nov 2025
"Every time we wanted to stop and finish, we reminded ourselves why we are doing this. Millions of men in the UK struggle every day to just ‘make it to the end’, so why should we be any different? The awareness and funds we are raising will change lives for the better, and for us, that was enough to just take another step forward every day!"
Sam Waters, University of Nottingham Men's Rugby Union Club President
Men's Rugby Union club president Sam Waters and club members Tom Pasmore, Will Newman, Jaime Bernaldo de Quiros and Will Craven, completed their 140 mile journey in time for the England vs. New Zealand Quilter Nations Series on Saturday 15 November. Having set off from Highfields on the morning of Saturday 8 November, the group walked an average of 20 miles a day to achieve their endpoint.
The challenge took plenty of dedication and also preparation, with a carefully designed route and stops scheduled along the way - including Head of Men's Rugby Union at the University of Nottingham, Paul Westgate providing the group with a place to stay early on in the challenge. On day 6, the hikers also raised awareness of another cause - Breast Cancer Awareness - by donning pink outfits.
During the week long challenge, Sam reflected "We are 5 days into the walk and everything is getting tougher. Joints are hurting, steps are getting smaller, but the spirit is still strong. Every one of us is pulling together and using our combined struggles as a force for good. Every time we want to stop and finish, we remind ourselves why we are doing this. Millions of men in the UK struggle every day to just ‘make it to the end’, so why should we be any different? The awareness and funds we are raising will change lives for the better, and for us, that’s enough to just take another step forward every day!"
The group documented their journey on Instagram: @thehairyhikers, and you can support their cause by donating to their Movember campaign.
We would like to congratulate the Hairy Hikers on their hugely impressive achievement - one that was rewarded with a large amount of money raised, but also tickets to the England rugby fixture at their destination through England Rugby and England Rugby Universities.
Movember is a global campaign with the goal of changing the face of men’s health. University of Nottingham sports clubs have continually raised magnificent amounts in aid of the cause in recent years. From challenges such as The Hairy Hikers walk, to events such as the Movember Darts tournament, the #GreenandGold collectively raised over £89,000 last year and are aiming to better that total in 2025 with a target of £110,000.