Past and present players from Bath Rugby’s squad have launched an appeal, on behalf of the Bath Rugby Foundation, to raise £50,000 to increase its work with children in the Bath area during 2012. David Flatman, Danny Grewcock and Matt Perry have pledged their support to help raise funds, deliver projects and promote the Foundation.
Caryl Thomas, Matt Perry, Jimmy Deane, David Flatman and Vicky Heslop
The Bath Rugby Foundation, which was established in 2003, is an independent charity that works with children of all backgrounds to improve and develop life skills and education using sports related activities. The Foundation plays a vital role in the local community working with disabled children, children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are simply in need of guidance as they experience the difficulties of young adulthood.
Trustee and former Bath and England rugby player Matt Perry has been involved with the Foundation for the last four years said; “The Foundation has made a big difference to thousands of children in Bath and the surrounding area through a series of sports themed educational activities for a number of years. As a charity, it is totally independent of the club and relies on fundraising and grants to continue its good work.
“This year demand for the educational programmes has outstripped our ability to deliver due to a lack of funds. We know there is a real need in Bath for the Foundation and we want to increase our efforts, which is why we have launched this appeal. We understand times are hard but even the smallest donation can go a very long way to funding these programmes. Every £5 donated allows us to work with one child, by raising £50,000 we can help 10,000 children.”
Jimmy Deane, manager and founder of the Bath Rugby Foundation said “This year we worked with children in Bath, Wiltshire and North Somerset. Every child matters to us regardless of their background, physical ability or age we have a common aim which is to encourage and show them that they can achieve their goals with some help and if they work hard. Like most charities we rely on grants, sponsorship and goodwill to continue our work in the local community. By launching an appeal we are hoping to improve understanding about what we do and encourage more individuals and businesses to support us and get involved in our fundraising activities.”
Every £5 donated to the Foundation allows it to work with one child. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/brf or by texting BATH12 plus the amount to donate e.g. BATH12 £5 to 70070. Any business interested in sponsoring the Foundation or funding a programme should contact Jimmy Deane on 01225 325200.
