Skip to main content 
Rock Choir support Jill Scott’s Journey from Wembley to Sunderland
Hundreds of Rock Choir Members helped support former England Lioness legend Jill Scott as she took on a gruelling 388-mile Coming Home cycling challenge for Sport Relief.
Supporting Jill at the start of her journey
Jill’s challenge began at Wembley Stadium in London on Monday 8 June. 130 Rock Choir Members from London and the surrounding areas joined the former footballer at the start line, led by Rock Choir Leader Sally Creedon.
Under the statue of Bobby Moore OBE, the Rockies sang out the Guns N’ Roses hit Sweet Child O’ Mine as Jill jumped on her bike ready to begin the tough challenge.
Rock Choir Leader Sally Creedon was presented with a personal thank-you card from Jill for the Rock Choir Members who took part. She said:
“We were thrilled to support Jill on her epic adventure for Sport Relief. It was such an honour for our Rockies to sing for her during her incredible journey.”
A warm welcome at Villa Park
The next stop of the challenge was Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC. There, Jill was warmly greeted by 200 Rockies from the Midlands and surrounding areas, led by Rock Choir Leader Sonia Eyre.
Sonia added:
“As Jill arrived, we sung ‘I’ll Be There For You’ to welcome her. There was such a lovely uplifting atmosphere and our Rockies thought it was a brilliant event.”
Jill’s challenge continued and, despite heavy rain, early mornings and more than 5,000 metres of elevation, she carried on, determined to make it to the finish line.
A memorable finish in Sunderland
On the final day of the challenge, Jill ran 28.5 miles from Bishop Auckland Football Club to the finish line at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland FC.
Crowds greeted Jill’s arrival with rapturous applause as 200 Rockies from across the North East performed the England football fans’ favourite, Sweet Caroline. Led by Rock Choir Leader Rob Slater, the choir serenaded Jill as she made her way to her final destination at the stadium.
Rock Choir Leader Rob Slater said:
“We were delighted to help add to the incredible atmosphere and give Jill a warm welcome home after her amazing journey from Wembley to Sunderland. It was a truly inspiring achievement.”
Supporting Sport Relief together
Barbora Mayer, High-Value Fundraising Manager for Sport Relief, said:
“We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Rock Choir for their support of Jill Scott’s Comic Home Challenge for Sport Relief, specifically to those who travelled from different corners of the UK to support this challenge at every stage of the journey.
From those who gathered super early at the start line at Wembley, to the choirs who welcomed her at the Day 1 finish line at Aston Villa, and finally to those who joined her in Jill’s home city of Sunderland for the ultimate finish – your energy, voices and encouragement meant so much to Jill throughout.
Your support helped carry this challenge from beginning to end and we are truly grateful to have shared each milestone with you.”
So far, the challenge has raised over £520,000 for Sport Relief.
This challenge brought together Rock Choir Members from multiple regions, demonstrating the power of music, community and shared support. From Wembley to Sunderland, Rockies were proud to help encourage Jill throughout her remarkable journey while supporting an important cause.
Experiences like this are just one of the many opportunities available to Rock Choir Members across the UK and Ireland. From supporting national charity campaigns and performing at major sporting venues to taking part in festivals, television appearances and special events, being part of Rock Choir can lead to some truly memorable moments.
If you’d like to experience the joy of singing, meeting new people and discovering where your own Rock Choir journey could take you, why not book a free taster session?
