letstalk@rugbyagainstcancer.com
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letstalk@rugbyagainstcancer.com
Click our team members to find out more about them
Click our team members to find out more about them
Click our ambassadors to find out more about them
Click our ambassadors to find out more about them
The Founder, Trustee and Clubs and Ambassador Liaison
Rugby Against Cancer All stars & Saracens
Player (just about) and Coaching
Cancer is something that has an impact on so many families and the people around us every day. It is a disease which has affected my family, and is very close to my heart. The opportunity to be an ambassador for a great charity in Rugby against cancer is a massive honour, allowing me to hopefully help some families in our rugby community affected by this disease in any way I can!
To be the go-to charity for rugby players and their families dealing with cancer. To have Rugby Against Cancer as a household name in Cancer charities and in grassroots rugby clubs across the country.
Professional and RAC Player Liaison and Trustee
Harlequins
Former player and have managed and coached sides within Hampshire.
I lost my mother to cancer in 2010 and my wife, Angela, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. I want to help raise money to support those within the rugby community that have been affected by cancer. Read more about Jim’s Story here
To become the ‘Go-To’ charity within rugby circles that will raise money that allows the charity to support those that need it.
Volunteer Coordinator
No ‘favourite’ team but Bath is always a great day out so maybe them, England & Lions
Played a lifetime ago. Both sons played (PRFC, USPRFC & Petersfield) with my youngest currently at Portsmouth.(Proud to say he has played for Rugby Against Cancer teams)
Rugby has had a positive impact within my family but sadly cancer has been a negative losing family & friends. I jumped at the chance to be able to actively assist in raising money and awareness for this great charity.
That the Rugby Against Cancer family grows year on year with ambassadors at every club in the country and to continue to raise money for those affected by cancer within the wider rugby family.
My favourite is, of course Trojans, the oldest club in Hampshire and where I spent many hours covered in mud as a kid and now as an adult. As for the bigger clubs, I support any club that my Hampshire ‘babies’ play for – currently Quins, Bears, Richmond, titans and Chinnor.
I played rugby for a number of years myself and have worked as a pitchside medic for 25+ yrs. generations of my family have played and still do!
My love of rugby and my own experience with colon cancer. I was first told I had cancer aged 26 after having a number of malignant adenomas removed – thanks to regular screening from the NHS I hope I never receive that diagnosis again. When I heard that a local group of rugby lads were coming together to raise some funds for cancer charities, I immediately offered my pitchside services. That was 2018 and I’ve not looked back. Rugby players are some of the worst at not talking about serious issues e.g. health awareness and self examination – RAC gives us a platform to remove the stigma, get people talking and wrap them up into the rugby family for support and smiles when they need it most.
To restore the smiles on faces and sparkles in eyes of those going through the cancer journey and their loved ones who are often overlooked.
To help to remove the stigma of cancer, and get people talking. Early detection is the key to fighting this disease, and to do this communication is key!
London Irish
Been at Portsmouth RFC for nearly 20 years
I lost my Mum to cancer 15 years ago and seen both the devastation and togetherness this horrific illness has on families. I have also lost close friends and colleagues of all ages and the indiscriminate nature this disease has.
If I can be part of something that makes someone’s life a little better or brighter during their difficult journey, that would be a wonderful thing.
I would like us to not only continue to celebrate the wonderful rugby community and how it supports each other, but also continue to ensure that help and support is accessible, timely and goes directly to those needing it the most.
Committee Secretary
England
Jordan Cracknell, a rugby player lives with my daughter, and Jordan’s Mum is a cancer survivor!
Cancer is very close to home as I am a survivor myself, having been diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2012. Like so many others, I have over the years helped raise money for various cancer charities. Volunteering for this role allows a greater involvement and I am keen to get started and feel very privileged to be given this chance.
Finding help when you are in the middle of a life threatening situation is not easy to do and charities like Rugby Against Cancer can help to take some of the unnecessary stresses away.
Treasurer
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Charity Merchandising Manager
Exeter
Having the opportunity of moving around the country I have truly experienced the rugby family in action from playing in Ireland to learning the ropes at Havant and Portsmouth to Championship success at Slough and Wadebridge. Now, I love being part of The Bolingy Barbarians, a charity vets’ team in Cornwall.
One of the major things about rugby is how the community pulls together to support each other. This indomitable spirit is something that should be protected and highlighted as something amazing within our sport being part of the first game, two of the treks and other games have made me want to help grow the charity.
I want RAC to become a nationally known brand with not class stash that looks cool, and people are proud to wear.
NHS and Capital Projects Manager
Gloucester
I have played rugby for millions of years, mainly at PRFC.
I have seen what this, now, Charity has evolved from and wanted to help in any way I could. I’ve seen this disease from all sides (living with Multiple Myeloma) and witnessed and received help from the rugby family
I want to see the charity offering support to all persons affected by this disease. This is from patients to family to the nurses providing the care. I have spent over six years in treatment and seen how this affects the careers whether this be family or nursing staff
Corporate Partnerships Lead
Bristol Bears
Over 20 years playing rugby across the UK and abroad.
Much like, I’m sure, too many others, I have lost both friends and family to cancer. Rugby Against Cancer has helped many people I know with treatment and support in their time of need. It is the community and the collective effort to help those suffering, directly and indirectly, that made me want to get involved with this incredible group of individuals some time ago. Rugby Against Cancer aspires to continue growing and helping those fighting Cancer and those who support loved ones in their lengthy battles with Cancer. The rugby community has been family to me wherever I have travelled and it’s this community that provides me with great optimism for the lives we can help save and change through the work that Rugby Against Cancer does.
I hope to see the Rugby Against Cancer continue growing and reach a wider audience, assisting more and more of those affected by cancer, becoming the go to Cancer charity in the UK
PR, Marketing and Social Lead
Leicester Tigers and England
I was a short-lived rugby union player at University and for a short period afterwards, changing to the occasional touch rugby match thereafter. I can often be found at Twickenham Stadium cheering on England. I dabble in freelance work on Premiership Rugby, Top14 and grassroots rugby content as a day job.
After seeing a Twitter appeal by Aaron for help with social media, I didn’t hesitate to get in touch. With a passion for rugby, and cancer charities being a very personal cause for my family, it was the perfect fit to get involved. I want to help raise awareness of the organisation, make some noise for fundraisers and help the team raise valuable funds so more people can be with their families for longer.
I hope Rugby Against Cancer becomes a recognisable name in the UK, and around the World. It is a great cause, started by a great team of people and I hope we continue to do the fantastic work and make a real difference.
CURRENT TEAM: London Welsh RFC
SENIOR CAREER: Ospreys, London Irish, Neath
“I’m excited to be an Ambassador for Rugby Against Cancer. I have been monitoring this great charity for a while now, once I knew exactly what they did and how they support people affected by cancer in the rugby family I had to get involved and volunteer.”
Cancer does not discriminate and can affect anybody, so we want to be there for those that need it. Be that rugby players who have been diagnosed with cancer, the family of rugby players or those that don’t play anymore but are still involved in the rugby community.
I really hope I can add value and highlight that there is support for people who are dealing with cancer. Please get behind Rugby Against Cancer and support where you can.”
CURRENT TEAM: Exeter Chiefs
SENIOR CAREER: Bristol Bears
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England & Barbarians
“I lost my dad to cancer and he was my biggest supporter, always cheering me on from the sideline. The rugby family is truly special and the support I had from both Bristol and the wider rugby community really helped me.
Rugby Against Cancer is a unique charity, making a genuine difference to people going through the toughest of times and I am really looking forward to being on board.“
CURRENT TEAM: Saracens
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: Wales
Donna has played rugby since she was 16, starting on the wing for Ellingham and Ringwood Rugby Club. She then Captained Trojans Rugby Club for 100 caps, playing 150 games in total for the side.
Donna plays for the Rugby Against Cancer Women’s team, plus actively fundraisers for the Charity taking part in Trek 2 Twickers 2020 where she was part of the team of walkers that raised over £19,000
“I’ve loved and lost because of this horrific disease. I’ve played rugby for 13 years and my proudest moment was playing for Rugby Against Cancer.”
CURRENT TEAM: Bristol Bears
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: Wales & Wales U18
“Cancer is something that has an impact on so many families and the people around us every day. It is a disease which has affected my family, and is very close to my heart.
The opportunity to be an ambassador for a great charity in Rugby Against Cancer is a massive honour, allowing me to hopefully help some families in our rugby community affected by this disease in any way I can!”
CURRENT TEAM: Worcester Warriors
SENIOR CAREER: Gloucester, Leicester Tigers & Bristol Bears
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England U20s, England U18s
“My rugby journey began in Gosport and Fareham RFC when I was 6, the club is still a massive part of me and my family’s life. As I have made friends for life that still play for the team I love, as does my brother.
From here I moved to Hartpury College and Gloucester Rugby where I studied for two years before signing full time with Gloucester where I spent 3 seasons. Until I moved to Bristol and now Worcester.
Rugby Against Cancer is something I am massively behind. I have been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which is a type of cancer that developed in my lymphatic system. I went through Chemotherapy as part of my treatment.
Once I was diagnosed it was naturally a huge shock to myself and my family. However, the sheer support I received after the news was overwhelming from the rugby family that fortunately surrounds me. Bristol was unbelievable with the news and supported me massively and I can never thank them enough.
This is my story and I think it summaries what this charity represents, rugby is a powerful thing and together can help the fight on cancer”
SENIOR CAREER: Bristol Bears
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England
“I want to be involved with Rugby Against Cancer because cancer has not only impacted myself and my family but also so many people that I care about.
Cancer is a horrible illness and can be so progressive in such a short amount of time. What Rugby Against Cancer is doing to help support immediate families that have been affected by cancer is truly something that inspired me and I knew as soon as I learnt more that I would want to be involved and help out in any way I can.
Rugby Against Cancer are giving us an opportunity to come together and support people that are going through dreadful times because of this heartless illness.
I can’t wait to get started.”
SENIOR CAREER: London Irish
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England U20s
“The impacts of cancer are felt throughout all communities in the world and the effects on individuals and their families can be devastating. Rugby against cancer is a great charity that aims to support rugby players and their families who have been affected by cancer. I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador and can’t wait to be a part of this awesome charity whilst it continues to grow and aid members of the rugby community through their battles with cancer.”
SENIOR CAREER: London Irish
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England U18s & U20s
“I’m delighted to be part of the RAC team, it’s such an amazing cause. Cancer affects people in many different and awful ways. I hope that I can use my platform to help those who have been affected and spread awareness. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone at RAC and supporting fundraising opportunities.”
FORMER TEAM: Gloucester-Hartpury
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: Wales
Robyn was diagnosed in 2014 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, just 5 years after her cancer battle she was called up for her first Welsh international caps during the Autumn Internationals in 2019.
“I was diagnosed with Lymphoma when I was 21 years old and on the rise in my rugby career. Cancer stopped me in my tracks, left me with nothing to look forward to but playing rugby for Wales was always my dream. I didn’t let cancer stop me, it moulded me, it drove me and changed me, but it didn’t stop me
My journey has taught me how important a support system is and how your tribe can really help you thrive in times of darkness.
I owe my life to rugby because without it I wouldn’t be here today.”
Read more of her story here: https://www.wru.wales/article/robyn-remains-lock-solid-after-battling-cancer/
SENIOR CAREER: Harlequins
INTERNATIONAL CAREER: England
“Cancer stinks. We live in a world where we and our loved ones are likely to be affected in some way.
But I’ve also seen the incredible difference Rugby Against Cancer can have to fight back. How the charity has grown spectacularly and our rugby family unites together against this disease to raise funds and awareness, so no one has to go through it alone.
Rugby has given me so much, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity to help give back with RAC.”
CURRENT TEAM: Bath Rugby
SENIOR CAREER: Leicester Tigers, Worcester Warriors & London Welsh
Growing up in Hampshire, Will played rugby at Swanmore College and Petersfield RFC before being drafted into the London Irish Academy.
Following Will Spencer’s guest appearance at the Rugby Against Cancer match on Boxing Day 2018, he agreed to become an ambassador for the charity.
Will expressed his delight in being able to support such a charity. He has family members and friends that have been affected by the disease and he hopes that his involvement will help further raise the profile of the charity.
