Foundation XV member finds innovative way to contribute to Community Walk

Theresa Benson was excited to sign up for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation charity walk this year, along with a group of friends. But disaster struck only a few weeks into training, when Theresa’s physiotherapist told her that she wouldn’t be able to take part in the event due to a badly sprained ankle and Achilles tendinopathy.

Not one to be put off by a diagnosis, Theresa sprang into action and came up with, in her words, a "hair-brained" idea to row the equivalent distance and to raise money for the foundation that way instead.

Theresa, who lives in Cullompton, says that it was a friend of hers, Lexi Chambers, who inspired her to do something after wheeling from John O’Groats to Lands End in a wheelchair.

She said: “If she can train and wheel an unimaginable distance, I thought the least I can do is train and row for this. I take my inspiration from her.”

Stepping into action, Theresa swiftly set up and shared a charity page without giving it a second thought.

She adds: “I don't think I really thought it through before posting a JustGiving link, and people donated straight away so there really was no going back.”

Theresa says that before training for this event, she had only ever rowed 2,000 metres, so gearing up for the full 10,000 has been a shock to the system. She’s suffering from soreness in her lower back and is now stepping the training back to give it time to recover and to ensure that she is fit enough for the event on 4 October.

Like all walk participants, Theresa will receive the all-important pasty and pint upon completion of the challenge, and is looking forward to joining the other walkers at the very first Exeter Chiefs match of the season against Newcastle.

Hats off to Theresa whose dedication to this event and to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation has already raised £190.

Karime Hassan from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, which raises money for local charities through its annual calendar of events, said that Theresa is an inspiration to all.

He added: “We are in awe of Theresa and her commitment to continue to raise funds for the foundation despite not being able to participate in the walk. We are looking forward to seeing her at the match and finding out how she got on with her epic row.”

To find out more and to book your place on the charity walk on 4 October, go to Community Charity Walk 2025 and to help Theresa to raise more vital funds, see her fundraising page at: Theresa Benson is fundraising for Exeter Chiefs Foundation