A CHARITY day in memory of a much loved West Cumbrian rugby play raised £13,000 in vital funds that will help many in the community game across the area.

Workington Town RLFC used their home fixture against Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday, June 25 to host a day of fundraising for the Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart fund, set up in memory of popular Hensingham rugby league star Logan Holgate and his coach Gary.

Logan Holgate sadly passed away suddenly in January at the age of 18, and the fund has now been set up to provide heart screening for community rugby in Cumbria.

A series of community games were played before their main fixture, which saw players wearing a special shirt commissioned in memory of the young player.

Following the match, shirts which had been commissioned in honour of the fund were auctioned off, with town winger Sean Sabutey’s shirt raising £1,000 for the cause

Talking about the day Jordan Mattinson, a friend of Logan and Lions Heart fund committee member, said: "The full day was fantastic, from the rugby to the auctions and entertainment... it was just brilliant and a really lovely day.

“We honestly can’t thank them (Workington Town RLFC) enough for all they’ve done for the fund, they’ve worked tirelessly to make the day happen and it really showed.”

The team from the Lion Heart fund also decided to perform an ‘outstanding gesture’ donating a significant amount back from the day to clubs charitable arm The Workington Town Community Trust, which will be used within the community.

A spokesman for Workington Town RLFC said: “In partnership and support of the Logan and Gary's Lions Heart fund an emotional day was capped by a superb performance on the field being matched by a superb outpouring of community spirit that resulted in over £13000 being raised to support heart screening for amateur players in Cumbria and in an outstanding gesture the committee chose to donate a significant amount back to the clubs charitable arm - The Workington Town Community Trust - 'Make a difference' so that we can continue to contribute locally in the community to enhance peoples life's.”