The Principle Trust Children’s Charity say it's thrilled to announce that the third annual Rugby4Respite tournament in Ilkley has raised an impressive £7,250, which will support 12 families with a week-long respite break and food hamper.
In a bid to raise vital funds for children facing adversity, Ilkley T5s hosted its biggest high-spirited tag rugby tournament at Ilkley RFC, Stacks Field, with 22 teams attending on April 19th. The event saw adult teams battle it out in fast-paced, five-minute, five-a-side tag matches, with spectators cheering them on from the sidelines, from group stages to an impressive grand final.
Since being founded in 2024, the tournament has grown into a competitive yet friendly event with over 100 participants of all abilities. The Principle Trust has a 100% donation policy, ensuring every penny of the profit goes towards its mission. Overall, “Rugby4Respite” has raised more than £20,000 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, supporting 33 families to enjoy a week-long break.
The day offered engaging entertainment for families, with games, raffles and delicious cakes and Yorkshire pudding wraps supplied by Crumbs - a Silsden-based business. Police cars, fire engines and crew were in attendance, as well as bouncy castles, face painters and plenty of children’s mini games.
Determined to make this year bigger and better than before, the event was attended by Robbie Moore MP, who presented the trophy to the winners. Ilkley Colts were crowned champions of the elite division and [pictured above] Sutcliffe Construction of the social division.
Mike Davies MBE, Founder of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, said:
“Rugby4Respite is always a really special event for The Principle Trust, and this year has been just as incredible. Seeing it continue to grow and raise such an amazing amount for children facing adversity is remarkable.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to coach Pete Small, who was instrumental in organising the event, our programme sponsors Tranmer White Estate agents, Your Ilkley's Ricky Durkin for being our commentator, Fara Physio for helping the players with their aches and pains, Martinez Wines in Ilkley for being our referee sponsor and Ilkley RFC for generously hosting!
“A special thanks to the main sponsor Trinxa in Otley, without whom the event would not have been a success! We’re so grateful for the volunteers and businesses from the local community, such as Trinxa and so many more, as without their support and sponsorships, we wouldn’t be able to execute an event of this scale with such generous raffle prizes. Everyone who took part and supported the cause has helped make a real, lasting difference to all the families we work with.”
Since its launch in 2011 by founder and Ilkley resident Mike Davies MBE, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity has provided respite breaks for almost 6,000 children from across the region through its respite homes in Blackpool, Filey, and the Lake District. The Principle Trust operates a 100% donation policy, and every penny of the profits goes towards our mission. The charity now owns eight respite homes, enabling it to support around 308 families each year, giving children the chance to enjoy life-changing breaks away from their daily struggles.
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