Clifton Rugby Match to raise funds for Meningitis Vaccine

Clifton RFC is hosting a fundraising match on Tuesday 18th September to help raise funds for Ryan Bresnahan's Meningitis Appeal, 'a Life for a Cure'.

Clifton Rugby Club, one of the oldest rugby football clubs in the South West, is hosting an unmissable rugby match for enthusiasts and the rugby community at large to help raise essential funds to find a cure for meningitis and celebrate the life of Ryan Bresnahan, a keen young sportsman who died of the devastating disease aged 16. The Bristol based rugby match between Clifton College 1st XV and Colstons 1st XV will take place under floodlights on Tuesday 18th September at 7.15pm, where both teams will battle it out on the pitch to win the Ryan Bresnahan trophy.

Ryan’s mother, Michelle Bresnahan, recently carried the iconic Flame in the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay after being nominated for her determination and devotion to fundraising for Meningitis through the charity appeal,  ‘a LIFE for a CURE’, which Michelle, her husband, John Bresnahan, and daughter, Charlotte, set up following the sudden loss of their teenage son and Charlotte's brother, Ryan, in 2010.  There will be an entrance fee of £3 for adults and £2 for concessions with all proceeds going to support the charity’s cause to find an ‘Ultimate Vaccine’ against Meningitis B and help prevent thousands of other families from suffering the loss the Bresnahan family have experienced. 

Meningitis B mainly affects babies, pre-school children and young people and tragically claimed Ryan’s life in less than 2 hours.  The fundraising appeal in Ryan's name has already raised more than £250,000.00 through a series of events including the Jubilee Concert at Cribbs Causeway with Pixie Lott. John and Michelle Bresnahan aim to raise £1 million, which will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

John Bresnahan said: “This is a game of Rugby played with great passion and pride, which brings together the local community to remember Ryan’s life and his love for the game. It is once again a great honour to be associated with this important event held at the Clifton Rugby Club. We are very grateful to the club for their continued support.”

Clifton and Colstons under 9 and under 10 teams will kick off at Clifton RFC at 6.15 pm with the main event starting at 7.15 pm. Food and refreshments will be available on the night.For further information about  ‘a LIFE for a CURE’, please visit http://www.ryanbresnahan.org/. 

ENDS

Michelle Bresnahan Paralympic Torchbearer details: 

http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=michelle-bresnahan-8745/

About Life for a Cure

Meningitis is a devastating disease. It can come out of nowhere and can kill in less than 4 hours. Following the tragic death of our son Ryan, aged 16, 'a Life for a Cure' was born as a fundraising vehicle working closely in association with Meningitis UK.  Although fantastic progress has been made over the last 20 years, there is still no vaccine available to protect against all forms of meningitis and associated diseases, including the most common form in the UK, meningococcal group B.  

1 in 10 victims will die, 1 in 7 of those who survive will suffer some form of permanent disability, with at least six lives taken every week. It is vital investment continues into both research and creating awareness of this merciless disease to ultimately achieve the overall aim of eradicating all forms of meningitis. 

Please visit http://www.ryanbresnahan.org/ for more information

Tags: