Fundraisers raised their glasses to two charity ambassadors to mark their hard work for the cause.
Rugby players Andy Raleigh and Keith Senior have represented the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust for a total of 11 years between them.
In that time, the pair have struck poses in the Huddersfield Giants’ charity calendar, appeared under ladies’ hair salon driers for the video ‘Gonads’ and battled it out in a dragon boat race.
To mark their long-serving dedication, wine-lovers celebrated their contribution with a fundraising tasting evening at Hoults Wine Merchants.
Andy, who played for the Huddersfield Giants and is currently with the Wakefield Wildcats, teamed up with the charity six years ago.
He said: “Having attended Greenhead College, and my brother was in the same year as Laura Crane, I have always been very aware of the trust. I was honoured when asked to be an ambassador and help raise awareness in the fight against cancer in young people.
“During the past six years I have been asked to carry out some rather unusual fundraising initiatives with the trust and if I can help, I will.
“I am currently involved in the Gonads campaign where we are funding vital research into treatments for testicular and ovarian cancer in young people I really hope others will take up the campaign and help us raise funds to complete this research as ultimately we will save more young lives.”
Ex-Leeds Rhinos and England international Keith Senior has also devoted his time to the cause.
He said: “Being a Huddersfield lad I was very aware of the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust and its determined fight against cancer in young people. I therefore felt it was a charity I could help and was proud to be asked to make a difference to the lives of so many young people. I hope others will join me and take up the cause and make this a good year for the trust and its fantastic work.”
Trust manager Pam Thornes paid tribute to the duo at the Grape and Wine event.
She said: “We are delighted with the work of our ambassadors who are willing to support us whenever we ask.
“They are both well-known celebrities within Rugby Super League and have brought many of their fans with them to support the trust.
“We are delighted to celebrate with great pride their work and cannot thank them enough for their commitment to the fight against cancer in young people.”
