Rugby match cash helps disabled boy (From Wiltshire Times)

Rugby match cash helps disabled boy

2:15pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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TEN-YEAR-OLD Francis Clark, who suffers from cerebral palsy and autism, will be given life-changing equipment as a result of a charity rugby match.

Francis, who lives with his parents in Box, will be given enough money to pay for an £800 car hoist and sensory input equipment to give him a better quality of life.

Former rugby stars played at Box Recreation Ground to raise money at the Box charity rugby match on Sunday.

They raised a total of £3,700 to be shared between Francis, the Green Room youth club in Box, St Nicholas' Appeal for a Hydrotherapy Pool (SNAP) and Bath Former Rugby Players Benevolent club.

Landlord of The Bear in Box Chris Lilley, who organised the match, is thrilled with its success.

He said: "It has been great this year with so many former rugby players taking part.

"We raised £3,700 from the whole event, which will be given to our four chosen local charities.

"The money was raised from the admission fees, donations towards the hog roast, the raffle and all profits from drinks bought at the bar went towards the total amount.

"I just think it is so rewarding to raise money for charity."

Francis, who also suffers from tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, will be given enough money to pay for his wheelchair.

His mother Alice Kemp, who also suffers from the tissue disorder, is really pleased.

She said: "The money we will be given means so much to us as it will make our lives so much easier with a hoist to help Francis into the car as I have problems with my hands.

"The sensory equipment will also help his autism and improve his behaviour and sleep patterns."

One of the pieces of sensory equipment that would benefit Francis is a beanbag that sends vibrations and music through his body.

Mr Lilley is thrilled that the money raised can help the family.

"I'm just happy to be able to help raise money for Francis and his mum and dad who work so hard," he said.

The rest of the money is expected to help the Green Room youth club run for a year and help SNAP move closer to their goal of a hydrotherapy pool.

The match between Box Hooters and Colerne Donkeys was also held in memory of Mr Lilley's friend and former Bath rugby player Robbie Lye who died suddenly in April aged 62.

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