ULSTER’S RUGBY REF’S TACKLE CHILDHOOD CANCER

THE Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees is tackling a vitally important issue – childhood cancer.
The refs have pledged to fundraise for Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC). Every week in Northern Ireland three children, teenagers or young people are diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis shatters family life; NICFC aims to rebuild this by offering practical and emotional support.
President of The Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees, Marshall Kilgore, said the refs have an abundance of fundraising plans in the pipeline.
“Our main event will take place in February or March when all the referees across the province will take collection boxes to every club game in Ulster. We are encouraging people to give as much or as little as they can to help this great cause,” he said.
Mr Kilgore who is a school principal, said he is also planning to get his colleagues and pupils involved with fundraising.
“I will be organising a few school events and holding non-uniform days to boost our fundraising,” he said.
Mr Kilgore added: “Sadly childhood cancer is something that is becoming more and more prevalent in this country. Northern Ireland Cancer Fund For Children is a charity myself and the refs have taken to our hearts and we will put 100 per cent into this fundraising drive.”
Local off-licence chain Winemark supports both Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and the Ulster Society of Rugby Referees.
General manager, Fiona McGhee, said Winemark is delighted to be involved with the charity.
“We aim to raise as much money as possible by encouraging our staff to get involved in any events and activities we can throughout the next year. We hope this and the added support of our customers purchasing pens or pin badges and donating to our in-store charity boxes will go a long way,” she said.
NICFC community fundraiser, Natasha Walsh, said: “We are honoured the refs have come onboard to support us. The money raised will go a long way in providing services such as ward support and on- to-one youth programme worker sessions for children with cancer. As we embark on the redevelopment of our Shimna Valley respite centre in Newcastle, all funds raised are very much appreciated. I would encourage anyone attending rugby matches to please dig deep.”