Rugby Club at the heart of the community celebrates donation

A rugby club in the heart of the community is celebrating after receiving a donation from Persimmon Homes.

Blyth Rugby Club received a £2,000 from Persimmon, after applying to our Community Champions initiative.

The club say the donation will go towards improvements in the club. 

Ian Lavery MP was recently on-hand to present the cheque to the club, alongside representatives from Persimmon.

Blyth Ruby Club Fundraising Secretary, Jonathan Barlow, said: “We're incredibly grateful for the generous support of private companies such as Persimmon in helping us to radically overhaul and improve our community sports offer within one of the most deprived parts of the UK.

“Community sport is seen to reduce obesity and improve life chances and mental health of those who take part. Rugby especially has a very strong community spirit with passionate individuals working at all levels of the game.

“It's through the combined efforts of private enterprise and volunteers working proactively together that future generations will be encouraged to take part in the sport, and in the town that we love.”

Ian Lavery MP said: "It was fantastic to meet some of the volunteers at Blyth Rugby Club and see first-hand the incredible work being done to grow the game locally.

“A huge thank you to Persimmon Homes for their generous support, which will help provide new equipment and further improve facilities.

“The transformation at the club’s Plessey Road site has been remarkable, and it’s inspiring to see so many more young people getting involved in rugby as a result of the club’s commitment to the sport and the wider Blyth community."

Stuart Grimes, Managing Director for Persimmon North East, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Blyth Rugby Club and meet Jonathan and the team.

“Blyth Rugby Club do amazing things in the community and we are proud to support them. We hope this donation goes far in being able to support them to carry on this important work.”