Swindon Under 13s do their bit for charity (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon Under 13s do their bit for charity

6:30am Tuesday 10th January 2012 in Rugby

SWINDON Rugby Club’s under 13 section have raised over £1,500 for the Fatboys Charity.

The charity, set up in memory of former Swindon Rugby Club player Mike Lawless, has sponsored the club for three years.

Some 42 members from Swindon Under 13s raised money after completing a fun run, packing bags at Sainsbury’s in Stratton and collecting money on the Highworth and Swindon Round Table Santa Sleigh.

Chairman of Fatboys Charity, Mike Rees said: “Fatboys was set up in memory of Mike Lawless who was a Swindon police officer and played rugby at Swindon Rugby Club.

“As well as the good work we do purchasing Christmas gifts for children suffering with cancer and leukaemia, we also try and support youth sport through sponsorship, which helps to publicise our charity.

“It seemed very fitting in view of Mike’s association with Swindon Rugby Club that we should sponsor their Under 13 team.

“In return, all those associated with the team have done some excellent fundraising on behalf of Fatboys Charity and it is a partnership we would look to continue into the future.

“Having been on the receiving end of one of Mike's rugby team talks, I know he was a very determined and dedicated rugby player, and hopefully that will brush off on the Swindon RFC team.

“We wish them all the success in the future with their chosen sport.”

Swindon’s under 13 captain Joey Toogood said: “The team really enjoyed doing the sponsorship events and raising money for the charity, and we feel like we are really helping people because of it.

“Hopefully our sponsorship will continue, as we hope for more opportunities to work with Fatboys.”