Rock Choir go the extra mile on charity challenge for Prostate Cancer UK

Throughout July and August, Narelle and the West Yorkshire Rockies will be undertaking a virtual Rockie Road Challenge to log a total of at least 400 miles walking or running during their choir summer break.

The 400-mile challenge represents the distance to and from West Yorkshire to Rock Choir’s headquarters in Farnham, Surrey. The Rockie Road challenge started on 20 July and runs until September 11. 

Narelle’s Rockies are keen to support their leader with her amazing charity mission, helping to raise vital funds for the charity.

From daily walks and runs, Rockies are getting their steps in to help reach the mighty 400-mile goal. Together they will clock the miles of their movement and add to a running total for the choirs. It will be easy to spot Narelle out and about near her Liversedge home, as she’ll be wearing her Rock Choir T-shirt, adorned with the choir’s bright yellow star logo.   

Every week, Rock Choir comes together to rehearse a variety of uplifting songs from the Rock Choir catalogue.

Each song is taught by rote, making it accessible for everyone to learn with no need for any previous musical experience.

Once the Rockies are confident with the songs they are ready to sing in public and share the joy of Rock Choir in their communities.

The Rockies have recently been learning ‘I’ll Be There for You’ - the catchy theme tune from the ‘90s comedy series, Friends. They’ll definitely all be there for each other as they complete the energetic virtual challenge together. 

Narelle’s dad, Gordon Brooksbank, is the inspiration behind the fundraiser. In December 2023, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Narelle said the charity, Prostate Cancer UK, has been a great support to the family and she wanted to give something back to support their incredible work. 

The charity is the UK’s biggest public funder of prostate cancer research and is driving forward major improvements in diagnosis and treatment. It also provides support services and award-winning health information for those affected by the disease. 

Gordon, a musician who loves playing guitar, is an integral part of Narelle’s Rock Choir too. Narelle encouraged him to join following the death of his wife. Keen to give it a go, Gordon signed up for Halifax Rock Choir and hasn’t looked back since. 

Narelle said: “We know that choir is good for mental health and wellbeing. It’s really good for my dad and he really enjoys it. Sometimes he comes for the morning choir session and the evening one too.

"When dad was first diagnosed in November 2023, Prostate Cancer UK were brilliant and we found a lot of the charity’s literature really helpful."

Narelle took up running at the start of 2026. Her husband, Adam, is a keen endurance runner and inspired by him, Narelle decided to give running a try - and found that she got a real buzz from lacing up her trainers and pacing the streets. She’ll be putting her training to the test throughout the challenge.   

She said: “The Rockies have been so supportive - for some of them it’s a real motivation boost and gives them a focus over the summer.

"This is a really big challenge. Hopefully we can raise lots of money for the charity whilst also getting out and about walking and running over the summer break.”

The summer challenge will finish with a Rockie Road grand finale on Saturday 26 September, when Narelle will complete a total of 42km by running and walking between her choir venues in Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Sowerby Bridge and finish in Bradford. At the finale, the choirs will sing a rousing rendition of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ending in a lively finish to the charity mission. 

Narelle added: “I’m aiming to complete it in less than 12 hours, with a few pit stops and lunch. I will have a live GPS  maps tracker and a route planned which I’ll be sharing on social media, so I can be tracked.

"Some Rock Choir members may join me for some of it and lots will greet me at the end at my Bradford venue to sing. I’ll  aim to conduct a set of songs too, if I have the energy!.”

You can support Narelle’s fundraiser by donating here

Rock Choir has 34 locations across Yorkshire and the North East and are inviting new members to join. There is no need to audition or read music and everyone is welcome. To book a free taster session go to www.rockchoir.com