A TEENAGER is organising a rugby tournament to raise funds for a charity that has been helping his mum.

Jimmy Evans, 18, is organising a touch rugby tournament in aid of cancer charity, Penny Brohn UK.

The tournament, on Saturday, June 8, is being hosted by Gloucestershire sports college, Hartpury College.

Jimmy, who is currently captain of Minchinhampton RFC’s Colts team and studying rugby at Hartpury, decided to organise the event to fundraise for Penny Brohn UK, which has supported his mum Jennie since she was diagnosed with stage IV bowel cancer when he was 14 years old.

The day will include men, ladies and mixed tournaments and will culminate with an exhibition match between Jimmy’s Allstars and Hartpury Allstars featuring special guests from the world of rugby.

There will also be a barbecue; food, drink and craft stalls; fun children’s rugby activities; silent auction and raffle prizes.

Talking about the event, Jimmy said: “Penny Brohn UK is mum’s favourite charity.

"She went to their centre near Bristol when she was first diagnosed and has continued to use their services throughout her cancer treatment.

"I can see the difference that Penny Brohn UK makes to her, helping her to live well with cancer rather than letting it dominate her life.

"The support she receives in turn makes life easier for me. I’m really keen to raise awareness of the charity and its services and raise funds to support their work.

“I’m thrilled that Hartpury has kindly agreed to host the touch tournament and for its incredible support in helping to arrange the event.

"It will be a fun day for the teams and their families.

"Most of all, I hope that Mum is well enough to be there, enjoy it and that she is proud of what we have achieved for Penny Brohn UK, and of course, of me.”

Sophie Thomas, community fundraising officer, said: “We are delighted that Jimmy is organising a touch rugby tournament to raise money for Penny Brohn UK and would like to say a huge thank you to Jimmy for all his hard work.

"The money raised will help us support more people affected by cancer to live as well as possible for as long as possible.”

With nearly 40 years’ experience, Penny Brohn UK recognises that people with cancer need more than medicine to live well with the disease.

It takes an integrated whole person approach to cancer support, using evidence-based therapies that work alongside medical treatment to achieve the best health and wellbeing.

For more information about Penny Brohn UK visit pennybrohn.org.uk.

For more information about the tournament email jimmystouchrugby@gmail.com