The University of Lincoln Hockey Club is encouraging students to complete 24 kilometres of exercise in memory of former member Grace Millane.
Grace was murdered by a man she met while travelling in New Zealand in 2018. Her killer was then sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019.
In memory and celebration of her life, the hockey club, with support from the Lincoln Students’ Union, is asking students to run, walk or cycle 24km between December 1 and December 8.
Helena John, who is the society’s president, believes that Grace’s week is more than about raising money for their former teammate.
“It is about remembering Grace in general, but also about raising awareness of victims of violence, whether that is a physical or a sexual nature,” Ms. John said. “There are so many charities that can help victims and stuff and raising awareness of the charities also.”
Grace’s death had a huge effect on the society and her friends. Speaking about the impact, Helena said: “The effect of Grace’s murder probably had a greater effect than I even know to some extent.
“I think it has united us and it is one of the small positives that has come out of this.
“It is just about us being more conscious and being like ‘it’s ok not to be ok’ and people can talk to each other; there is support throughout the whole of the uni here and within the clubs.”
A total of 15 societies are currently involved in the fundraising, raising over £1,700 at the time of writing, with all proceeds going to White Ribbon UK, Edan Lincs and the Lucie Blackman Trust.
By raising money for three charities who raise awareness of domestic violence, it is hoped that it can bring the issue to the forefront of the minds of students.
When asked what the Students’ Union and hockey society hope to achieve, Abi Brown, Vice President of Activities, said: “I do think because of the charities that they [have] specifically chosen, around how they support victims and victims families of abuse, hopefully it will begin raising more awareness to students and for students to talk to each other about it.”
You can donate money in memory of Grace here.