Charity rugby match raises funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Support

7 December 2022 | Fundraising, Support

A special rugby match, organised by one of our Champion Fundraisers, Dave Stubbs, took place at Stafford RUFC on Sunday 27th November in aid of Brain Tumour Support.

Dave, a police officer with Staffordshire Police who is living with a brain tumour himself, had initially planned a Rugby 7s Tournament for September, but following Queen Elizabeth’s death it was cancelled as a mark of respect in the period of national mourning. However, he was determined to arrange an alternative event and, thanks to the continued support of Stafford RUFC, the Combined Service Barbarians and numerous sponsors of the original tournament, he succeeded with a full 15-a-side match played at Stafford, between the Combined Service Barbarians and Newport Salop. The Newport team was keen to be involved after a player’s own experience of family loss due to a brain tumour.

The day was also a real family affair with face painting, a raffle, cake and sweet sales and the opportunity to purchase Brain Tumour Support Christmas cards, calendars and other items. Plenty of smiles were raised by mascots ‘Welephant’, from Staffordshire Fire and

Rescue Service, and ‘Kash’, from Staffordshire Police, who came along too.

We were extremely grateful to everyone who volunteered on the day to help make everything go smoothly. Special thanks to Dave’s family, and also James Westlake and Liam Bergin, who volunteered for the first time for Brain Tumour Support and did a wonderful job manning the entrance gates and welcoming and chatting with people throughout the day.
The match itself was hard fought between two tough sides, but ultimately the CS Barbarians proved too strong for Newport Salop, winning 51-12. Both teams brought a great spirit to the match, many of the players travelling a considerable distance to take part, and all giving their time and energy to support our cause.

Quisha Murphy, daughter of the owners of Smurph Skips, one of the generous event sponsors, presented a trophy to the winning team, and she herself received a thank you memento for being part of the memorable event.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of this event which has been so much about determination over adversity,” said Bridget Dowty, Communications Lead at Brain Tumour Support, who attended the day. “From Dave’s experience in facing challenges after his brain tumour diagnosis, and his determination in putting on this event, and talking to others during the day about the impact that brain tumours have had on their own lives, to meeting Quisha, who lives with cerebral palsy and whose positivity and energy can’t fail to inspire. Events like this not only raise crucial funds and awareness of the work we do, they also demonstrate a huge spirit and generosity from all involved which is so wonderful to see and incredibly important to us as a charity.”

Charity rugby sponsors and supporters

Thanks also for the continued support of all the sponsors for the original Rugby 7s Tournament, and to volunteer James and members of Stafford Photographic Society who took some fantastic photos at the match.

Everyone’s efforts brought in a wonderful fundraising total of over £2,200 – and Dave is already working on the plans for next year’s Rugby 7s Tournament to take place.

We all look forward to that!

Read Dave’s full story

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