This year, derby day is different. Yes, there’ll be a show of arms, a cut-throat competition, and a fearsome face-off at the Kingsholm, but the occasion marks something bigger.

Before both teams pick up their swords and head out onto the turf, members of the Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby families will take to the wheels and water in the name of the 4Ed campaign.

In July 2022, former Gloucester Rugby player, Ed Slater, was diagnosed with life-shortening condition Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at the age of 34. MND is a rare condition which affects the nerves found in the brain and spine, known as motor neurones. The disease affects the body’s movements as the messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching a person’s muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste. This can affect speech, walking, eating, drinking and breathing, and in some instances, changes to thinking and behaviour.

To help Ed in his battle against MND, on Friday 14 April ahead of the West Country derby, former Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby player Matt Garvey, in a team with six others from the Gloucester/Bath family, will be riding and rowing his way from The Rec to the Kingsholm raising money for Ed’s cause.

Starting at the home of Bath Rugby, the challenge will see the lads take to the water and row along the River Avon to the centre of Bristol. From here, the crew will swap the paddles for saddles and ride north to where the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal meets the River Severn. They will get then get back in their waiting canoes to row towards Gloucester Quays. In the final push, the lads will exit the water and carry their canoes down the home straight to the Kingsholm, hopefully in time for kick-off.

Alongside Matt, the crew will comprise of Ed's former teammates, Dan Murphy, Charlie Sharples, Olly Morgan, Todd Gleave, Darren Dawidiuk, and ex-Bath Rugby flanker Mat Gilbert.

Of the occasion, Garvey said: “It’s going to be a huge challenge for me and the lads. I can’t say I’m much of a cycler or even a rower, and I’m not sure a retired, 6ft 6 lock is a natural fit for two wheels but the challenge is for such a worthy cause that I will happily squeeze myself into lycra for Ed.

“Bath Rugby fans are some of the most passionate and generous supporters in the Premiership and I know they’ll extend that generosity across the rugby family to help Ed’s battle with MND.

“No matter how big or small, every penny of the money raised will help Ed, his wife Jo and their family deal with Ed’s disease.”

Looking to raise £4,444 for the 4Ed campaign, it would mean to world to the lads if our dedicated Bath Rugby supporters could donate to the campaign and raise as much money as possible as Ed and his family learn to navigate their way through Ed’s MND diagnosis.

And if you're around on Friday, you can cheer the team on throughout their journey from Bath via Bristol and on to Gloucester to give them that extra morale boost!

DONATE HERE

Garvey to paddle and pedal for the 4Ed campaign

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