Yahoo News Kingston Park Armed Forces rugby event raises more than £48,000 for Military vs Cancer charity
An Armed Forces rugby event at Kingston Park has raised over £48,000 for the Military vs Cancer charity.
A crowd of more than 2,500 attended the stadium for two matches between the UK Armed Forces and select North of England teams.
Military vs Cancer’s CEO and founder David Bathgate said: "We always hoped that our return to Kingston Park would be bigger and better than our inaugural event in 2023 and we have been absolutely blown away by the whole support.
"The people of Newcastle have been such a big support for our event and it was great to see such a great representation from military personnel and their families at the weekend. The funds raised will go a long way to supporting the charity’s work and we’re already booked up to return to Kingston Park in 2025."
Military vs Cancer became a registered charity in May 2022 but was founded several years earlier by David after losing several family members to cancer. On the pitch, there was delight for the UK Armed Forces team, with the men’s team running out 90-15 winners after the women’s side notching a 38-15 triumph.
Assistant director of Rugby Cesca Johnson-Harding said: "It was the start of a new era for the women of the North East who wore the North East Select colours with pride and really showcased just how much we need an elite level game in the North. What an amazing day raising awareness of this gap in playing provision and raising money for a worthy charity like Military v Cancer.
"We have planted a flag for the game to run for years to come and to grow it into a spectacle where the Northern Rugby family can support the men’s and women’s game and families battling cancer in our Armed Forces. I am incredibly proud of the men and women who took to the pitch on both sides."
Military vs Cancer’s event marked the start of Armed Forces Week 2024 with a military address on the importance of the week and the impact for families associated with the military. A fusilier’s band performed before both matches, and an U12 game at half-time saw Bishop Auckland RFC take on Houghton RFC and Hartlepool RFC, as well as a range of stalls from the Army, RAF and sponsors.
David Bathgate added: "We are indebted to Newcastle Falcons for once again providing Kingston Park Stadium for our fixture and we wholeheartedly thank our sponsors and guests for all their efforts in making the day a huge success."
