A special presentation took place at West Leeds ARLFC last week involving a remarkable family who in only two years have risen over £20,000 for charities and organisations.  

West Leeds ARLFC player Ricky Nugent died on September 29, 2009 two days after collapsing on the pitch and just four weeks away from his 17th birthday and since then his family have raised an amazing amount of money for a number of different charities.

His mum Ann Cameron commented: “I am still fund raising in the memory of Ricky, when he tragically passed away I swore that if I could do anything to help others whilst keeping his memory alive, and that is what I will keep doing. I will never let my sons name be forgotten.”

He started playing rugby for West Leeds ARLFC when he was about 10 years old and loved the sport

At that sad time Steve Ball from the Rugby League Benelovant Fund fully supported Ricky`s family and is still very much part of Ricky`s story and was on hand for the second year to receive a cheque for the benevolent fund for £2,000 pounds.

Other beneficiaries over the two years are: Wheatfields Hospice, The Lord Mayors Charities Appeal, Ward 6 Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at LGI, West Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Dewsbury District Hospital, local church St John’s in Lower Wortley, Headway Leeds and Help for Heroes.

Ben Bailey homes also contributed £5,000 to the fund.

Simon Brown from Help for Heroes thanked the family and commented on the benefits such monies have helped in the charities cause.

Debbie Alinson from West Leeds ARLFC, who instigated the starting of the fund was there along with Ricky`s team mates, teachers and friends from school.

Sam Horner added “The community spirit of Rugby League and West Leeds as an area is very evident and the dedication to give to others by Ricky`s Friends and family is a shining light”.