Members of our MAN v FAT Rugby community will be coming together to raise funds for charity, as guys from our Cheltenham and Leicester clubs go head to head.
They’ll be supporting the #4Ed Foundation, set up in 2022 after Ed Slater, who played for Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Ed’s leadership qualities and tenacity earned him plaudits from teammates and fans alike and now the MAN v FAT community will play their part to recognise his career and the need for support for those with MND.
We spoke to Stuart Croft from MAN v FAT Cheltenham Rugby to find out more about the match on 28th March.
What was the inspiration for this year’s tournament and what made the guys want to raise money for the 4Ed Foundation?
You can’t be around Kingsholm long without being inspired by Ed Slater and his family, and by the fundraising efforts of the likes of Billy Twelvetrees. As a lifelong Cherry and White I felt I really wanted to be part of those efforts.
What format will the tournament take and how are preparations going?
On the morning of the Slater Cup, lads from MAN v FAT Cheltenham and Leicester will travel to Birmingham and have our own match at Bournville RFC for our own MvF Slater Cup, after which we will travel together to Villa Park for the big match.
How do you feel this event typifies the community spirit within MAN v FAT?
It’s all about community, rugby values, enjoyment and friendship.
You’ve made a great start to your fundraising target, how far do you think you can go?
Our target is £1,000, we are almost there and think we can get well past the target. We have an auction of prizes donated by Gloucester Rugby, Leicester Tigers, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby and others.
For anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Rugby, what would you say to them?
Just do it, you’ll have a great time. It’s good for your mental health, you’ll make a load of new buddies, you’ll enjoy the rugby and you’ll get healthier.
Want to donate?
You can contribute to the lads’ fundraising by visiting their Justgiving page – we wish them all well with their big day!
