One of our wonderful local charities, Brentwood-based Special Needs and Parents (SNAP) has been the beneficiary of money raised by Old Brentwoods' rugby players holding a veterans match to raise funds and promote the wearing of cycle helmets when riding a bike.
I was very pleased to be asked to join Johnny Janes and Richard Austin, both Old Brentwoods' players, and Matt Brown from Allen Kia in Brentwood, when the £1000 cheque was handed over to SNAP's Chief Executive, Karen Boath.
Old Brentwoods organised the charity match after one of their youth team players, Ronnie. had a cycle accident last year, and suffered head injuries which could have been so much worse without the helmet he was wearing at the time. Although Ronnie lost all of his teeth and broke his jaw, his helmet saved his life.
The funds raised at the match were going to be given to this young man, but he generously said he believed that the funds were best used on people other than himself and so funds raised went to SNAP.
Karen Boath, CEO of SNAP, said: “Thank you to the generous partnership of the Old Brentwoods RFC who are long-standing champions of our cause and community-conscious business Allen Kia Brentwood for this fundraising initiative. With special thanks to Ronnie and his family for their thoughtful pledge to help other local families.”