Ella Cromack 24hr Kickathon
This isn’t just about kicking. It’s about gaining time and a daughter doing everything she can to change the outcome of something her dad needs.
Meet Ella Cromack. A 20 year old Harlequins Women and England U20 fly-half, and she’s about to spend 24 hours straight kicking rugby balls - all 1,611 of them.
Why 1,611?
"On the 16 November 2023, my dad was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour. It’s incurable and highly aggressive. Only 5% of people survive past two years. He’s been undergoing costly treatment abroad that’s helped slow the tumour’s growth, but it isn’t available on the NHS. That’s why I’m raising money. That’s why this challenge matters."
Inspired by her rugby idol, Dan Carter, who previously completed 1,598 kicks in 24 hours, Ella is setting her sights on 1,611 and to beat that record, every single kick a symbol of time and hope.
Kicking for a Cause
Ella’s challenge is not just about raising money. It’s about pushing awareness for a disease that receives very little funding despite its severity. She’s using her platform, her boot, and her spirit to spotlight a cause that has hit her family hardest.
All proceeds will go to The Brain Tumour Charity’s Give Simon Time campaign, helping fund further treatment and drive much-needed awareness.
Powered by W RUGBY
W RUGBY is proud to partner with Ella as her official ball sponsor for the challenge.
"W RUGBY aligns with my values both on and off the pitch. Their support for grassroots rugby, their belief in building the pathway, and their commitment to giving back made this feel right. I’m so excited to use the balls during the challenge — and so grateful for their support."
Training for the Impossible
To prep, Ella’s been balancing gym sessions and rugby training with a heavy kicking workload. Robustness work in the gym, and repeated kicking drills on pitch have been the norm. "It’s about building resilience in my calves and hamstrings — and being ready to go the distance."
Motivation? Not a problem.
"My dad is my best friend. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he gets more time. More milestones. More memories."
How You Can Help
You can support Ella in three powerful ways:
Donate
Show up
Head to Twickenham Stoop on the day to cheer Ella on. There will be designated times when the public can come and support her in person.
Follow
Check out Ella’s journey on Instagram: @ellagracekicks
Behind the Boots
Ella's got her support squad in place for the big day. Friends, family, and teammates will be by her side. But if she could have one special guest? "Dan Carter. He’s been my role model since I was 8. I’d love to have him there."
Her favourite kick? "A crisp cross-field that lands in stride, or a classic touchline conversion when it sings off the boot."
Ella said she doesn’t need any psyche-up playlist for the day - just boots, balls, and purpose. Though on game days, Ella usually turns to NF, Zac Bryan, or Omah Lay. Her pre-kick ritual? A matching bracelet with her dad, tucked into her right sock. "He’s with me on every kick."
Every Kick Counts
This challenge is more than a physical feat. It’s about time. About love. About the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter, and the power of rugby to drive change.
W RUGBY is proud to support Ella Cromack in her 24-hour kickathon.
Let’s give Simon time. Let’s kick for something bigger.
