Ratana foundation fundraiser passes $100,000

AUCKLAND: British celebrities have helped raise more than $100,000 for a rugby foundation launched in memory of slain Kiwi policeman Matiu ‘‘Matt’’ Ratana.

The 54yearold Metropolitan police sergeant died in September after he was shot in the chest by a handcuffed suspect, who had smuggled a revolver into a Croydon, south London, custody room.

Yesterday, the foundation set up in his name to support community and school rugby in the United Kingdom asked supporters to buy rugby shirts and other clothing to raise help funds for future foundation initiatives. — The New Zealand Herald