Armed Forces Charities Benefit from a Touch of Rugby League
On Friday 11 November North East Rugby League in conjunction with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion held a 12 hour Charity Touch Rugby League Event at Benfield Sports College in Newcastle.
The event engaged with school children for Benfield School in Newcastle and Joseph Swan School in Gateshead, University student's, Gateshead Thunder, Touch Rugby teams, Community Rugby League players and Service men and women who played in a continuous game of Touch Rugby League from 11am to 11pm with a total of 232 Try's scored throughout the day.
In addition to the teams playing across the twelve hours George Taylor, RFL Armed Forces Development Officer and Mark Watson, Peterlee Pumas (pictured in the centre) managed to play continuously for 12 hours in order to raise sponsorship money for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.
George Taylor, RFL Armed Forces Development Officer stated 'from a personal point of view the RBL helped me when I left the Armed Forces after 23 years service, directing me towards the right help and advice during my transition to "civi- street".
Although my needs were not as great as many who have called on them before, their professionalism and enthusiasm to help was incredible.
I still know many friends in the Military, and meet many in my current role as Armed Forces Development Officer for Rugby League, and they have nothing but praise for what the RBL does for them and their families all year round, not just on the 11th of the 11th.
This touch event was physically demanding on me and Mark, however Mark will echo my thoughts as a fellow ex-serviceman, what we went through in effort and pain is nothing compared to what our brave man and women have, and still are going though to defend our country. The support given to the Royal British Legion and to Mark's chosen charity, Help for Heroes, will also help families cope with the life changing experiences their loved one have gone through and to help them cope and adjust to life without a loved one.
Adam Houston, RFL League for All Officer stated "The day was a great success, with a huge number of people coming down to Benfield to support the day, I would like to say a huge well done to George Taylor and Mark Watson for their efforts in the challenge of playing Touch for 12 hours. There were a number of people involved in making the day a success, and a big mention must go to the teams and schools that participated in the event."
Touch Rugby League provides an opportunity for all ages, abilities and backgrounds and if you would like any further information regarding Touch Rugby League please contact Adam Houston, adam.houston@rfl.uk.com, 07775 022801 or visit the North East Rugby League website http://www.northeastrl.co.uk