Super League player tackles cancer awareness by supporting charity rugby event

Manchester-born winger Matty Ashton is scheduled to appear at the ‘Charity Rugby Showdown’, which will kick off on 29th September at the renowned Etihad Complex.

The star player, known for his lightning speed on the pitch and for topping the try scoring charts for the past two seasons, will conduct signings and participate in drawing the raffle later in the day in a bid to raise thousands for The Christie charity.

The event is being jointly organised by Director of Manchester based recruitment firm, The City Recruiter, Nick Ryan, and his former rugby comrade Chris Bamber, whose wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Of the upcoming tournament, Matty said: “I am more than happy to get involved and try to help any way I can, as it is for such a great cause.

“One of my family members sadly lost their life to cancer, but they were helped a lot during this time by The Christie. I remember that from a young age.”

The Warrington Wolves winger passionately praised The Christie and the help they have given to the community over the years.

He continued: “It’s a great service. Each year they grow, improve, and help many more thousands of people.

“It’ll be great to see so many different families connecting and playing rugby all for a great cause.

"Rugby is a sport that has got a real sense of family community about it.”

The showdown will feature the GB Police Rugby Men’s Team squaring up against the newly formed Manchester Select team.

GB Police Women’s team, who recently revealed their squad for the match, will also take to the pitch to face off league status hopefuls, the Keighley Cougars.

Co-organiser and former rugby pro Chris Bamber’s wife Sarah became the heart of the campaign following a diagnosis of terminal breast cancer at the age of 45.

Sarah’s story has inspired those around her to come together in celebration of the what is currently the largest single site cancer centre in Europe.

The tournament will also feature a raffle drawn by Matty himself, with prizes on offer such as a signed shirt with the winner’s name, a chauffeur ride experience, a flight simulator adventure, and four tickets to a Man City v. Fulham game.

Co-organiser and Director of event sponsor, The City Recruiter, Nick Ryan, said: “While our primary goal is to raise money for The Christie, getting people together for a day of great rugby will be a bonus.

“My deepest thanks go to all those who are helping to make this event a reality, and I’m looking forward to a day of fun and fierce competition.”

The City Recruiter has become renowned in the North-West for its work with some of the region’s leading law firms including Veritas Solicitors and Barings Law.

The firm has a string of strong partnerships in multiple sectors, and its continued growth brings its goal of disrupting the global marketplace closer than before.

Nick added: “We’re pleased to be welcoming Matty to the tournament, which we be a fun-filled day to support a charity that has served as a beacon of hope and support for so many people.

“We have received donations from several incredibly generous people. To them, we say a huge thank you.

“We look forward to the tournament and anticipate it will be an event to remember.”

Tickets for the tournament are £5 for adults and £2 for children, which can be purchased here: https://shorturl.at/IMJ8e. Donations to The Christie can be made on the day or through JustGiving: https://shorturl.at/ocU5d.