A CHARITY day hosted by a West Cumbrian rugby club raised thousands for two causes close to its heart.
Workington Town RLFC hosted their annual charity day on Sunday, July 26 with community club games on the pitch prior to town taking on Keighley Cougars, as well as live music and a shirt auction to raise funds.
The charity matchday raised funds for Cumbria United Against Suicide (Every Life Matters) and The Steve Prescott Foundation, supporting both suicide prevention across Cumbria and seriously injured rugby league players.
In a statement on social media, The Steve Prescott Foundation said: "It was refreshing to witness a club so passionate about helping those less fortunate. From the volunteers to the supporters, everyone at Workington Town embraced the day, and their fans were simply outstanding.
The foundation added: "Days like these remind us exactly what Rugby League is all about—community, compassion and coming together to make a genuine difference."
The first team took to the field wearing a special one-off purple charity kit, created exclusively for the occasion in support of fundraising efforts. Although a final total raised on the day has not yet been calculated, the charity shirt auction raised over £8,500.
£1 of every ticket was also donated to the charities with other fundraising initiatives also going on throughout the afternoon.
In a statement on social media, Every Life Matters, who have been working closely with the club over the last year as part of The Cumbria United Against Suicide project said: "It was amazing to see a sea of purple shirts both on the pitch and in the crowd.
"The atmosphere was fantastic, the result made it even sweeter, and it was brilliant to see Grant and Zarrin—two key members of our Cumbria United Against Suicide squad—both crossing the line for a try.
"Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, donated, bid in the shirt auction, and supported the day. It was also a privilege to stand alongside The Steve Prescott Foundation in raising awareness and funds for two important causes."
Workington Town were 'absolutely delighted' to work along side two fantastic charities, club chairman Graeme Peers said: "The Steve Prescott Foundation and Every Life Matters and the Cumbria United suicide prevention initiative are fantastic partners and we couldn't have asked for a better outcome, great crowd, great fundraising and a great win as we turned the Fibrus Community Stadium purple for the day.
"We would just like to say a huge thank you to all supporters on the day and to everyone who contributed.
"Our community impact goes from strength to strength and a special thanks to Caine Barnes, Tommy Martyn and Bennie Westwood for their contributions on the day."
Share