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Sunshine Sevens presents £15,500 to local charities

Sunshine Sevens presents £15,500 to local charities

Milly O'Ryan-Bristow29 Nov 2018 - 09:34
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Congratulations & thank you, on behalf of the Sunshine Sevens Committee 2018

Earlier this month, (November 2018), the Sunshine Seven’s Committee from East Grinstead Rugby Football Club (EGRFC) took the occasion of a pre-match lunch, for over one hundred people, to present proceeds from a combination of money raised at two key events, the Sunshine Sevens Rugby weekend and the Annual Golf Day, along with EGRFC member donations, a total of £15,500 to their chosen local charities.

The donations were received by: Sam Matthews, Step by Step School. A small local independent day school for pupils with autism that EGRFC have been supporting for many years, £7,000. Bob Rogers, President of the Wooden Spoon Sussex, a charity that changes children’s lives through the power of rugby. Working together on various projects, EGRFC have recently been granted a Partnership status, £4,000. Ivan Zythinski, Special Families East Grinstead, a support group for families with disabled children and EGRFC have raised money for the second year running, £1,500.

EGRFC is a community club, and the work it has done over the last 61 years through the Sunshine Sevens shows how important this is to its members. This year the Committee wanted to support a cause that they felt would really make a difference.

Henry Maxwell, aged 6, attends Felbridge Primary School, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and the wheelchair that has been provided by the NHS is not completely suitable for his needs. His parents are raising funding for a new light weight wheelchair more supportive and most importantly the wheels are designed so that Henry is not in danger of breaking his thumbs or fingers when trying to move himself. Most importantly the wheelchair will give Henry independence and the freedom to be able to wheel himself around his home and the playground at school with his friends, it will be life changing.

A cheque was presented to Henry and his parents, Andy and Emma for £3,000 pounds towards his new chair.

Chairman of the Sunshine Sevens Committee, Garry Gordon, said “This has been a real Club effort and shows the great generosity of the East Grinstead Rugby Football Club members and supporters. We look forward to their continued support at next year’s Sunshine Sevens Rugby Tournament on Sunday 28 April 2019, a day that still attracts the top sides and is recognised as the first main event of the Sevens season.”

Garry said: “Thanks also to the seventy-two “golfers” who played at the Sunshine Sevens Golf Day this year, and who generously bought auction prizes at the post golf event. We are well underway for next year’s golfing event, 12 July 2019, which we have been lucky enough to secure the fabulous privately owned Birch Grove golf course again.”

At the same presentation lunch, EGRFC were presented with a cheque for £5,000 from the family of Anthony “Pom” Marshall. Pom was a key member of EGRFC and possibly held nearly all positions in the Club at some point - from Chairman through to Grounds Manager. He also coached very successful sides and gave huge support to the Sunshine Sevens. Pom unfortunately passed away last year.

For all media enquiries, please contact Milly O’Ryan, EGRFC, 01342 322338 - milly@egrfc.com

Photo credit @ Louise Oliver

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