Charity fund raising at the Mennaye


Photo – Ben Gilby with Jeannette Preston of Falmouth-based testicular cancer charity ‘Pants’, raising money at Cornish Pirates on Saturday

Falmouth-based Cancer Charity ‘Pants’ was one recipient of a testicular cancer fundraiser held at Cornish Pirates’ ground the Mennaye, Penzance, on 8 August 2015, as Pirates supporter Ben Gilby raised money for two cancer charities.

Ben, who is on the committee of the Cornish Pirates Supporters Club, and also volunteers as press officer at London Cornish RFC, is presently recovering from testicular cancer, and was keen to give a bit back to two charities that are continuing to give him great support: The Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital; and the Falmouth based testicular cancer charity ‘Pants’.

The event took place in superb West Cornwall sunshine, as summer arrived (albeit for one day!) in Penzance. The afternoon saw Cornish Pirates host ten-a-side rugby union tournament as part of their preparations for the new Greene King IPA Championship season. The tournament involved two Pirates sides (‘Team Paver’ and ‘Team Cattle’), plus Redruth and Launceston. A brilliant afternoon of high-paced rugby was interspersed with a bucket collection for ‘Pants’ which raised over £200. The rugby community and Cornish businesses also donated some quite amazing auction lots, which, when all the proceeds come in, looks set to raise well over £1,500.

Reflecting on the day, Ben Gilby said: “I can’t thank Cornish Pirates enough for their support in my fundraising, they have been absolutely brilliant. The Pirates players took time out for photos on the day, and I would also like to thank the supporters of Redruth and Launceston for all their donations as well. It was great that the Cornish rugby community came together to support us on the day.”

Posted in Bill's Blog

Older posts