Billy Smith (back row, centre) joins the team and its teddy mascot behind the Lewis Moody Foundation fundraising day at Parkgate Shopping.
As soon as they had built the penalty shoot-out goalposts, cleaned up the celebrity soccer and rugby balls donated by the Millers and Titans, dusted down Teddy, identified the collection buckets, prepared the face paints, collected the cupcakes, organised a photo-shoot with the local paper, discussed their plans with the Parkgate management, it was all systems go for the National Citizen Service Group as they invited shoppers to participate and part with their money.The twelve teenagers from local schools had gathered on the shopping park to raise as much money as they could for their adopted charity, The Lewis Moody Foundation. Their efforts are part of a summer activity programme supported by Parkgate Shopping to give young people fresh experiences and new skills that will enhance their career or further education prospects.
“To organise this fund raising day at such short notice is a real tribute to their enthusiasm and organisational abilities,” said Parkgate’s Operations Manager, Billy Smith.
He added: “It also shows how they have absorbed all the teamwork and communications training that has been provided by Rotherham United Community Sports Trust over the past few weeks.”
The Foundation helps families affected by serious illness, offering days out and one-off experiences for children and their families as well as funding scientific research through The Brain Tumour Charity, aimed at saving young lives. It was formed by English rugby union legend Lewis Moody and his wife Annie in memory of Joss Rowley Stark, a promising young rugby player and pupil at Wickersley Comprehensive School, who lost his fight with cancer in April 2013.
The Group will be presenting a cheque to the charity at a special event later in the year.