OS Step-Brothers Felix Harper (RPH, 15-17) and OS Will Civil (PP, WH, CH, 03-17) are embarking on an incredible challenge, running from London to Paris to support Bowel Cancer UK—a cause deeply personal to them. These dedicated College and OS rugby players are channeling the same determination and resilience they’ve shown on the rugby pitch into this grueling endurance test in April.

As they train through the winter months, we wish Felix and Will every success in their fundraising efforts and hope their training journey is as smooth as possible.

Felix shares why their families have set themselves this incredible endurance task:

'In 2019 our Dad, Stepdad, Husband and friend, David Civil,  was unfortunately diagnosed with bowel cancer. Since then, our family has experienced a whole host of emotional ups and downs. We decided to not let this beat us and instead to channel our emotions into something positive. As a result the idea for this challenge was born 

In April 2025 William Civil and myself will be running to Paris over the course of 7 days. a journey equivalent to running an ultra-marathon every day. We will then be joined by friends and family (including Old Stortfordians Lily Civil (PP,WH,BH, 00-13), Rosie Civil (PP,WH,BH, 06-20) and Ines Harper (TrH, 17-19)) to finish the challenge by running the Paris marathon on April 13, 2025. Altogether, this effort will cover a distance of 390 km. 

We hugely appreciate the support of the OS community and are thankful for any donations, no matter the amount - JustGiving Page'