by Duncan Bick

Last updated at 12:45, Monday, 25 June 2012

A rugby match raised more than £8,000 for a meningitis charity.

Lillie-Mai's mum Belinda with her daughter

Workington Town’s clash with Whitehaven at the weekend saw them raise the money for a trust set up to support Maryport girl Lillie-Mai Jackson.

The 20-month-old girl lost both of her legs and an arm to the disease. She was the guest of honour at the match, and was greeted with rapturous applause by the crowd of 2,000 fans when the club’s skipper, Jarrad Stack, carried her onto the pitch.

The supporters gave generously, putting money into collection buckets.

On the pitch the team wore a specially commissioned purple and pink strip in honour of the tot, designed by commercial manager Barry Scholey.

After the match there was a charity auction of the strips, which raised £4,000.

The top price was £1,000, paid for the number 17 shirt worn by Jamie Thackray.

Two players also donated the fees their match fees to the collection, bring the total raised to more than £8,000.

Dave Bowden, club chairman, told fans: “This is my proudest day as Workington Town chairman.

“Everyone at our club bought into the idea of supporting this wonderful little girl and the response has been absolutely fantastic.”

Mr Bowden has committed the club to supporting Lillie Mai. He has also suffered from meningitis in the past.

There were fears the game would not go ahead because of the torrential downpours in Cumbria this weekend.

But the club worked hard to get the excess water off the pitch and the match went on as planned.

It was a tight game but Workington came out on top, winning 30-28 after Whitehaven missed a late penalty, which would have tied the match. They are now seven points and two places clear of Whitehaven in the league, and sit in the number two spot.

Unfortunately, another collection, which was due to take place at Workington Comets speedway meeting with Glasgow did not happen because the event was cancelled due to poor weather.

First published at 11:28, Monday, 25 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk