These guys are really something, we know we sacrifice a lot to be hockey players, so we understand a little of what they go through, but they are truly inspirational.

- George Pinner, England and GB Goalkeeper

Ella may only be back from her Aussie adventure less than a year, but already she is looking to make a difference back in the UK. In her first season back at the club she has already put herself forward for roles in the committee, organised events and more for the club.

True to form she attended the Hockey for Heroes selection day back on the 18th December, in the hope of getting onto the team to raise money for the cause.

Hockey for Heroes came into existence in 2012, when a squad was formed comprising a number of military and ex-military personnel who all rally for the cause. The movement is an off-shoot of charity Help for Heroes who raise money to help injured and fallen military personnel. The funds raised help run a series of country-wide recovery centres, all focused heavily on the role sport can play.

The Hockey for Heroes team uses hockey-based challenges to raise funds for Help for Heroes. In 2013, the squad took on an inaugural tour, which encompassed 26 matches in seven days; in 2014 they took part in a tough mudder adventure race, then ran up Mount Snowdon before playing two hockey matches; and their most recent challenge saw them play 33 matches in 10 days, while completing the three peaks challenge [climbing the three highest peaks in the UK, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike].

Hockey 4 Heroes is this year not just about the male players, over 50 ladies took part in the selection process to participate in the team that will walk from Cardiff to London starting in May and playing a number of hockey matches along the way. Hockey 4 Hero's funds Help for Hero's which provides much needed support for servicemen and women helping with injuries sustained during combat and post-traumatic stress which is needed more than ever.

Ella had this to say about the day:

"The day was better than many of the hockey training days I have attended, I instantly felt like I was a part of a family and even though it was hard work I truly enjoyed pushing myself. I am so proud to be a part of something like this and can’t wait to see what’s to come!"

The day itself took place at Bisham Abbey, the England Hockey training centre, and after a morning of hockey, it was followed by PT tasks in the afternoon. Here you can see Ella getting stuck into the afternoon session!

Visit http://www.hockeyforheroes.org.uk/ where you can find the link to make a donation if you wish or on Facebook it's https://www.facebook.com/HockeyForHeroes/