ANDY GREY MEMORIAL GAME AND CELEBRATION

A message from Paddy Douglas

Yesterday was a great day at the club in memory of Andy Grey. A match between his hobby and profession saw Northumbria Police visit us for a game in memory of Andy and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support who played a big part in Andy’s and his family’s fight.

Thanks to Karl Morgan who got the game organised and Clarke Burns and Scott Cartner who organised the dip at Tynemouth at 7am yesterday morning.

Carrie and the Grey family and friends turned out enmasse at the club to see the game and celebrate afterwards. No doubt the biggest crowd of the season at the club that made a fantastic atmosphere. The game was won by Gateshead who at the start and finish had too many fast lads for the Police team. Mind we had a squad of about 40 which was a fantastic response and some of the guys also played for the Police as well. It was a great game played in the right spirit. Couple of noticeable incidents were when Scott Cartner was shot by a police sniper when on his way to a certain try! Also very cruel of the Gateshead lads to laugh when Hardy got wiped out. Unfortunately he got a twisted ankle so hope that heals quickly. Also hope the Police lad who got injured is OK as he was taken off to hospital.

Thanks to Clark Burns who went around with a bucket collecting donations. Kathryn Fairless sold raffle tickets. The Seager-Rookes cooked the food, Phil Walton reffed. Everyone who donated raffle prizes in what turned out to be one of the longest raffle draws I have ever done and thank God for technology to enable us to transmit the winning numbers to both rooms.

There was an amazing atmosphere in the club afterwards. Over the years we have seen many changes in the club and many changes in personnel and different ways of doing things and long may it continue. However one thing that has never changed is the club’s response to events like this to support members, their families and great causes in difficult times. It continues to remind us what a fantastic club we have.

So what about figures??  Well as I write this the Just Giving page is at £1585. Clarke Burns collected in the morning at the swim and at the club £950 and the raffle took £905. That’s a total of £3444. Absolutely fantastic effort. I know the family and the club would like to thank everyone who played any part whatsoever in making a great day. If I’ve forgotten anyone I apologise.

I can just see Andy with a massive smile on his face.

Once again massive thanks.