Tigers smash fundraising target for local Hospice

In 2019, the team hoped to raise one day of running costs for the Hospice, a target they have nearly doubled.

This month, The Prince of Wales Hospice announced the fundraising total from last year's partnership with Castleford Tigers as a whopping £12,517. This by far exceeds their aim of raising £7,660 which would fund the Hospice fora day and brings their total to date to £23,706.

Last season marked 15 years of support from Castleford Tigers, so the team were keen to aim high to raise vital funds for the Hospice. The team took on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge as part of their activities, which raised over £6,000.

In addition to monetary support, the team often take time out of their schedule to make appearances at Hospice events and they also visit patients at the Hospice for their Outreach Christmas party.

Castleford Tigers have had a long relationship with the Hospice and it’s been one that has positively affected players and staff as Jon Wells, Director of Rugby, explains.

“I know my life has been touched by it, there are a couple of guys in the team who’ve been touched by it and had experiences with the Hospice as well. The level of service and care that patients get can only be maintained by the generosity of this community. So, if we can do something as a club, as a focal point and try to focus people’s generosity then I think that is the least we can do.”

On Friday 5th July 2019, the Tigers’ fixture against Leeds Rhinos was held in honour of The Prince of Wales Hospice and acted as a vital fundraiser. The match ball was presented by John Calvert, a Tigers fan since 1948 and a patient from The Prince of Wales Hospice. Tigers supporters were urged to play their part by buying raffle tickets, purchasing July’s Hospice special edition of Roar Magazine and donating to Hospice volunteers on site

Craig Jeffels, Commercial Manger at the club, took on The Great North Run, contributing £1,500 to the year's target, he said: “I wanted to also have a personal impact on our club’s fundraising efforts. I have seen first-hand the work that all at The Prince of Wales Hospice put in, on a daily basis, and also how much it costs to run the Hospice.” 

Talking about the level of support the Hospice receives from Castleford Tigers, Jessica Poole, Corporate Partnerships Assistant, said: "The team are fantastic to work with and are so enthusiastic about supporting the Hospice. Our patients love to see the team on their visits, it really brightens their day, and their fantastic fundraising efforts will go a long way in helping us to support people in our community who need our care. I look forward to working with the team in 2020 and can't wait to hear what they have planned."