Exeter-born Lexi Chambers, who is a wheelchair user, handed over the whistle to the referee of the opening match between England’s Red Roses and USA Women, set to take place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland tonight (August 22).
It marked the end of her 322-mile journey from Twickenham, which saw her complete 10 ultra-marathons in 10 days.
The Race to the Women’s Rugby World Cup was a particularly bold challenge for Lexi, who lives with fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome.
Lexi, who had to have her leg amputated, said: “Wow I did it – I safely delivered today’s official opening match whistle in one piece to the referee.
“What a responsibility!”
Lexi said: “I am also incredibly proud to have achieved my sixth world record using my non-sport, everyday wheelchair.
“I am actually a bit shocked that I have claimed a world-first by completing 10 ultra-marathons in 10 days.
“This was incredibly challenging.
“There were so many hills to climb on the route and it was tough on my body.
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“I had to push myself to remember not to give up.”
Throughout her journey, Lexi aimed to raise funds and awareness for ChildFund Rugby and their partnerships, which use the power of rugby to deliver change around gender equity, youth leadership, and inclusion.
Funds raised by Lexi will ensure that more people, especially girls and young women who face barriers to participating in sport and leadership learning, have opportunities to play, learn, and lead through rugby.
