An annual charity rugby match to celebrate the life of a young Carlisle man who died from a rare form of bone cancer takes place this weekend.
Ollie Armstrong was just 21 when he died in April 2017 after battling Ewing’s Sarcoma for two years.
His friends, family and former teammates will gather this Sunday, 21 July, for the third annual Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup match at Carlisle Rugby Club, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity which supported Ollie and his family during his illness.
Carlisle RUFC will once again take on Creighton RUFC, in a fixture that raised over £6,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust in its first two years.
The event was first staged in 2017, just a few months after Ollie’s death. It was the idea of Chris Marsh, one of Ollie’s friends at Trinity School.
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.
“It is always such a good day – so many of Ollie’s friends from school and university, as well as his family, always come along and take part or cheer us on. I would love to see as many people there as possible again to remember such a lovely lad and raise funds for the brilliant Teenage Cancer Trust who helped and supported Ollie massively. Over the past two years, we have incredibly raised over £6,000, together.”
There will be a barbecue and raffle, which local businesses have once again donated some fantastic prizes for, all in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, which 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: “We are so thrilled that the Ollie Armstrong Memorial Cup is being held once again. It is always such a wonderful celebration of Ollie’s life, while raising vital funds to help us reach more young people with cancer.
“Cancer can throw young people’s lives into chaos. Even for those who recover, it can have a lasting impact on their future. The money raised at this event in Carlisle will make sure specialised Teenage Cancer Trust nurses, support teams, and hospital units are there for more young people, throughout their cancer treatment and beyond.”
Sunday’s match will kick off at midday, with the barbecue, bar and raffle tickets available during and after the match.
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 [email protected].
