In the face of such adversity, her friends and family came together, determined to make a difference. Among them was Nick, a close friend of both Sarah and Chris, who wanted to do something meaningful to support Sarah and others facing similar battles.

It was Nick who came up with the idea of organising a charity rugby match. The event was held on 29th September in front of almost 1000 fans, making it a truly memorable occasion. The idea quickly gained momentum, and after discussions and planning, it was decided that the match would be held in support of The Christie Hospital, a renowned cancer treatment centre in Manchester.

Thus, Manchester Select Rugby League was born. The initiative aimed not only to raise funds for cancer treatment and research but also to bring people together in the spirit of solidarity, strength, and hope. What started as a single charity match soon grew into a movement, uniting players, fans, and supporters in a shared mission to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

To form a team, Nick and Chris reached out to a number of their old teammates and general old-timers, rallying them to take part in this meaningful cause. They also found an opposition in Great Britain Police, a team that included several ex-teammates. Adding to the significance of the match, their coach was a good friend who had actually been there when Chris and Sarah first met.

Building on the success of the initiative, they decided to add a women’s fixture as well, since Great Britain Police had just started a women’s team. This addition further expanded the event’s reach and inclusivity, reinforcing the spirit of unity and participation in support of a noble cause.

Chris, Nick, and the team reached out to all of their contacts to raise support for the event. They secured sponsorships and gathered raffle prizes to help maximise fundraising efforts. Their dedication and commitment ensured that the event would be as successful as possible, bringing the community together for a truly meaningful cause.

The event was supported by MCFC, Leeds Rhinos, Specsavers, The City Recruiter, plus many others, whose generosity and backing played a crucial role in making the initiative a success. The biggest contributor by far was Tesco, where Sarah works. The support shown by not only the business but also its individual staff was truly amazing, demonstrating the power of community in making a difference.

The event was held on 29th September in front of almost 1000 fans, making it a truly memorable occasion. At the final count, the event raised an eyewatering £79,484, a testament to the dedication, generosity, and support of everyone involved.

However, we weren’t finished. It was decided to make the event an annual tradition and to organise additional events throughout the year to continue raising funds and awareness. This commitment ensures that the spirit of Manchester Select Rugby League lives on, bringing people together for a cause that truly matters.

To enable the players to stay together and open up potential revenue streams, the decision was made to register Manchester Select as an official community club. The club will be using Aldwinians RUFC as its base, with massive thanks to them for their support.

To ensure as much money as possible goes towards the charity, efforts are ongoing to secure sponsorship in many different forms. This approach will help sustain and grow the initiative, allowing for greater impact and continued support for those in need.