In the space of almost exactly a year, the Club lost 2 of its most valued and loved people. John Finnegan, our then President and strong Players’ Supporter died in June 2017. In June 2018, Graham Siswick who, amongst countless other jobs, had been our 1st Team Manager for 25 years also died.

Its impossible to overstate how much we all miss them both but I don’t think everybody appreciates just how much help and support their families had from the Marie Curie Nurses. The devoted extra care they provided enabled both Jo and Jennifer to look after their dearly loved husbands at home during their final few weeks of life. All this was done at absolutely no cost at all. The Marie Curie Nurses organization is a totally voluntary body. They don’t receive any Government financial support and their existence is totally dependant on voluntary charitable contributions.

Almost as soon as John died, Jo Finnegan flung herself heart and soul into supporting this wonderful charity. She and Nicola Appleton, who has Otley RUFC connections, reformed the Harrogate Marie Curie Fundraising Group. Nicola became the Chairperson and, with Jo as the Treasurer, they raised an incredible £22K in their first year of existence. Last May’s Veterans Rugby Match between Harrogate and Otley contributed significantly towards this.

The next big Fund Raising Event is a Fire Walk to be held at the Club on the evening of Friday 8th February. Participants pay a £35 Entry Fee and each must guarantee to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Many entries have been recruited by the Marie Curie Team but, so far, Doc Doherty is the only entrant from the Club. Come on everybody, we need more Club support to help to raise the funds to enable Marie Curie to support other families in the way they helped John and Graham. As I can personally testify, none of us knows what lies ahead so absolutely anybody could find themselves having to seek Marie Curie support for end of life care for a loved one

This is an absolutely safe undertaking for anybody in reasonable health (ask Mike Cowling). All participants will be thoroughly briefed beforehand by an expert. Doc is doing it although he could well be playing rugby the following day so any player (male or female) could confidently take part.
Please give this event your full support. It will be a good Club night and will support one of the most worthy Charities in existence.

Bill Barrack