[A] rugby match will be held in Carlisle this weekend to remember a young man who died from a rare form of bone cancer last year.
Ollie Armstrong was just 21 when he died in April 2017 after battling Ewing’s Sarcoma for two years.
On Saturday 21 July, the second annual Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup match will take place at Carlisle Rugby Club, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity which supported Ollie and his family during his illness.
Last year’s inaugural event saw Carlisle RUFC take on Creighton RUFC, raising more than £4,000 for the charity.
Chris Marsh was friends with Ollie at Trinity School in Carlisle and is one of the main organisers of the event, which will again see the two local rival teams battle it out for the Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup.
Chris explained: “Ollie was a huge sports fan and loved rugby in particular, playing for Carlisle RUFC for many years. That’s why we thought a rugby match would be the perfect way to remember him, and last year’s event was fantastic.
“So many of Ollie’s friends from school and university, as well as his family, came along and took part or cheered us on, and we are hoping to have the same support again this time. There will be a raffle with some great prizes and food and drink available, so come on down and help us raise as much as possible for this amazing charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist nursing and emotional support for local young people with cancer – the only UK charity meeting this critical need for those aged between 13 and 24 years old.
Natalie Rutherford, local fundraising coordinator for Teenage Cancer Trust in Cumbria, said: “The first Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup match was such a fantastic day, we are delighted that it will be taking place again this year. As well as celebrating Ollie’s life, the day will raise vital funds to help us reach more young people with cancer.
“At the moment, for every young person we are able to reach, there’s another we can’t. This is unacceptable. We need support to fund more specialist nurses across the region which will revolutionise cancer care for young people and their families – forever.”
Saturday’s match will kick off at 2pm, with the bar open from midday and barbecue from 1.30pm.
For more information about the Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup, including how to take part or donate a raffle prize, please contact Chris Marsh on 07794 770214.
To find out more about Teenage Cancer Trust visit www.teenagecancertrust.org or email hello@teenagecancertrust.org.
