Ella Cromack Completes 24-hour Kicking Challenge
On 31 May 2025, Ella Cromack didn’t just take on her 24-hour kickathon challenge - she completely smashed it.
With an original goal of 1,611 kicks to mark the date of her dad’s diagnosis (16/11), Ella ended the 24 hours with a mind-blowing 3,850 kicks. Every single one powered by a relentless drive, and a mission to give her dad, Simon, more time.
Meet Ella Cromack. A 20 year old Harlequins Women and England U20 fly-half, and she’s spent 24 hours straight kicking rugby balls - all 3,850 of them.
A target of 1,611 …Completely Smashed
"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 originally set her sights on 1,611 which she bypassed on the 9-hour mark of her kickathon - then kicked on to reach 3,850 total kicks.
Kicking for a Cause
Customised W RUGBY balls for Ella’s 3850 kicks.
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
Harlequins’ stadium (Twickenham Stoop) was the main stage for Ella’s Kickathon.
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."
Ella recovering in the middle of the night.
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
Ella’s dad Simon watching on as she continues slotting between the posts
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.
