Alex Bennett ('Bosh') fundraiser : Lymm July 14

by Portnoy Fri 22 Jun 2012, 3:06 pm

Yet another consequence of the dangers of rugby.

http://www.rugbyunionrules.com/rugby-player-suffers-spinal-injury-during-sandal-game/

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/14196.php

Martin Corry is to captain an England Legends team in a fund-raising match next month in aid of The Alex Bennett Fund for Spinal Injury Charities, RPA Benevolent Fund and RFU Injured Players' Foundation.
Former Leicester Tigers skipper Corry will lead out a team against the Bosh Legends, captained by Nick Easter at Lymm RFC.

Players who have volunteered to take part include Leon Lloyd, Kyran Bracken, Danny Grewcock, Andy Gomarsall, Jason Leonard, Mark Mapletoft, Matt Perry, Jason Robinson, Kevin Sorrell and Chris Sheasby.

The event has been instigated by Alex Bennett, formerly of Saracens, Orrell, London Welsh and Brive, who broke his neck playing for Lymm in February.

The fundraising match on July 14 is a way for Alex and his family to thank the rugby community who have shown such support.

Bennett said: "We often talk about a rugby fraternity, but never has that sense of family been more evident than in recent months when our life changed irreversibly. I cannot thank Steve Rule and everyone at Lymm RFC enough, not just for supporting me, but also my wife Antonia and our three children.

"Nigel Wray and Sarries team-mates were some of the first people to visit and to write to me and I have received letters of support from every area of the game, which has been truly humbling.

"This fundraising match is my chance to give back to the rugby community and to those who have supported me, like the IPF and RPA Benevolent Fund, and is an opportunity to help raise valuable funds for other people who might find themselves in a similar position.

"The road to recovery would have been so much harder without the support I have received from the rugby fraternity and from the staff at Pinderfields, Leeds General Infirmary and Southport Spinal Injuries Unit, so thank you everyone."

The fundraising day will include a coaching class by World Cup winner Richard Hill, plus family entertainment, beer tent and black tie fundraising dinner in the evening.

Match tickets will be available on the gate at Lymm RFC, Crouchley Lane, Lymm, priced £10 for adults and £5 concessions. To book a table at the fundraising dinner with the Legends, email pvmaguire@hotmail.com