Yahoo News ‘Amazing turnout' at Hull KR ex-players event as support shown for rugby coach Craig who is living with MND
A race day organised by Hull KR Ex-Players Association enjoyed an “amazing turnout” and included a cheque presentation to a local man living with MND.
The annual event was staged at the New Trinity Club, Southcoates Lane, in east Hull, and was an opportunity to present Craig Eskrett and his family with a cheque. This represented the proceeds of a sell-out fundraiser that the group held at the Tribal, on Kingswood, earlier this year in support of Craig.
Paul Oliver, a member of the Hull KR Ex-Players Association, said: “After hearing the terrible news of Craig having MND, as an association, we decided to arrange an event to show our support. We held a similar event last year for one of our own legends, Zook Ema.
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“Our association consists of a great set of blokes, who have played, coached, and served the club, including physios and backroom staff, from their most successful times and during their darkest days. After hearing about Craig’s news, many ex-players attended a surprise afternoon at his local pub, The Robin, in which we made Craig an honorary member of our association and presented him with a special-edition polo shirt to show him we’re all behind him.
“Craig was speechless, very humbled, and extremely grateful that many past players, who he has watched from being a child, had turned out just for him. In turn it was a very emotional afternoon for everyone who sat and listened to Craig tell his story.”
It led to members deciding to hold the charity fundraiser, in February, to raise awareness as well as money. It brought in £5,500 and was a “complete success” and attended by many ex-Hull KR players, alongside a couple of the current squad, according to Paul.
After the recent official handover, Paul said: “It has gone a very long way to helping Craig and his young family in such an awful time. Craig is a massive Hull KR fan and also coaches at my local club, Skirlaugh.
“We hold various events over the year and have helped raise money for multiple teams and individuals who are part of the Hull KR family, including sponsoring first grade players, academy team, women’s team and more recently the HKR netball team. Our most recent event at New Trinity Club helped raise money for the netball team.
“We are not just ex-players but are ultimately fans and over the years have done everything we can to raise awareness and funds for our club. This has only been possible through some great support and sponsors.”
