PAIGE Randall is a qualified nurse, she is also just weeks away from putting on the red jersey to represent Wales in the World Deaf Rugby 7’s World Cup in Argentina.
Alongside hours of training, Paige has also had to raise thousands of pounds to help fund this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Deri RFC player’s fundraising efforts were boosted and she secured her place on the flight to Argentina following a donation of £1,500 from Persimmon Homes West Wales as part of its Community Champions scheme.
The scheme runs across each of Persimmon’s 30 UK offices. Every quarter each region has up to £6,000 to give to local organisations and good causes to leave a lasting legacy in the communities in which it builds homes.
Without this donation, Paige says she would not have been able to afford to have taken part in the landmark tournament next month.
The 26 year-old is looking forward to representing her country and also sees it as a chance to raise awareness of the deaf community.
Receiving the donation, Paige said: “I’m ever so grateful to Persimmon for giving me this money.
“It not only allows me the opportunity to play for my country on the world stage but also to raise awareness of the deaf rugby community.
“I work full time and train hard with my local team, Deri RFC as well as with Wales deaf so trying to fundraise has been difficult. It was such a relief when Persimmon gave me this donation as without it I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go.
“The tournament is now only weeks away and I can’t wait to get on that plane to Argentina and to do the deaf community and my country proud.”
The 26 year-old from New Tredegar is relishing the opportunity to front up against the likes of England, New Zealand and Australia in the biggest tournament of its kind.
Commenting on the donation, Sharon Bouhali, Sales Director for Persimmon West Wales said: “I am delighted that Persimmon have been able to donate this money to help Paige achieve her dream of reaching the World Deaf Rugby 7’s World Cup whilst at the same time allowing her the opportunity to help raise awareness of the deaf community.
“What we do at Persimmon is about much more than just building homes, it’s about leaving a positive lasting legacy in the communities that we build in.
“Through our Community Champions scheme we are always happy to support individuals and local community groups through contributing to causes that mean a lot to them.”
The housebuilder has donated over £1.5 million to charities, community groups and local organisations via the scheme over the last two years.
To apply for Persimmon’s Community Champions funding visit here.
