Lifelong friends step up for Tony
WHEN their lifelong friend Tony Parker was given the devastating news that he had incurable prostate cancer, a group of his pals from Rochdale Mayfield RLFC stepped up to the plate and began organising fund raising efforts.
Their latest fund raiser was a 22-mile walk from Rochdale Mayfield to the Leigh Miners rugby club to watch the NCL Premier Division clash between the two teams.
They set off at just after 6am and arrived at the miners ground at around 12.30pm.
A club spokesman said: “Most of the lads are fitness fanatics and have really looked after themselves to prepare for the walk they have been hitting the gym.
“They even did a quick session led by Neil Ramsden and Marvin Connolly before setting off – well, that’s what they told everyone!
“They arrived to rapturous applause from the Miners fans who were at the ground.”
The total raised from the walk was around £1,800 with more money still coming in. There was a generous donation from the Leigh Miners club which Marvin Connolly accepted gratefully and he sent a massive thank you, not just to the Miners, but to everyone who has put their hand in their pockets.
The fund raising doesn’t end there though and there is a massive night of entertainment planned for Saturday at the Mayfield club with live music a DJ, raffles and an auction as they try to raise as much as they can for ‘Parky.’
Organiser Warren Coop said: “I go back further than I care to remember with Parky – we have been lifelong friends and played a lot of rugby together.
“Tony was a tough, no nonsense forward and what he lacked in size he more than made up for with power and fitness.
“He has always had a fantastic attitude to rugby and indeed to life.
“So when we heard he was ill we all got together and decided to do what we can to ease the burden on him and his family”.
The Parky do at Mayfield starts on Saturday at 7pm and goes on til late. Entry is via ticket or pay on the door, £5 adults, children free.
A great night is on offer so don’t miss it, it promises to be one of those never to forget occasions.
There is a just giving link on the Mayfield website for anyone who can’t make it but would still like to donate.