Whitehaven showing rugby values in lockdown
When Jordan Mattinson was furloughed from his job he decided to enlist his rugby club Whitehaven RUFC in Cumbria.
Mattinson was furloughed from his job as a scaffolder but got to work with helping the community during lockdown.
Said the club’s First XV coach Craig Hodgson: “Jordan has been a club player for some time and captains our second team. He’s the sort of cheeky chappie who can get others involved and during the Covid-19 crisis he has been amazing.
"The list of what he’s organised just goes on and on. We are a club very much at the heart of the local community and wanted to help as much as we could.”
At least two lives saved
And help they did. With Jordan in the lead, they collected clothing and, with the support of Derwenr Recycling, raised an amazing £10,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance who said this equated to at least two lives saved.
It’s not only the air ambulance who are applauding the club though. Food and toiletries have been collected, helped by Tesco, Morrison’s and Bigrigg/Hensingham Spar. Copeland Age and Advice Services has redistributing goods throughout the local area and food and essentials have been delivered to Calderwood House who accommodate Armed Services veterans and, like other charities have struggled during lockdown.
Fun for young and old
Toys, books and games have been provided for vulnerable children in the area and also to Little Rascals Pre-school Cleator Moor.
With residents in local care homes unable to see relatives or go out, boredom packages of games, quiz books and novels have gone to Rosehill Care Home, Harbour View Lodge, Monkwray Court,Emmaus House and Westwinds and Johnson house care homes.
Prescription pick ups and drop offs have also been regularly handled for people who are vulnerable and shielding.
Help for NHS and local hospital
Some 360 charity NHS tops have been sold, in association with Stag Rugby, raising £3,200 for local NHS charities. This was topped up with £500 donation from Whitehaven RUFC Sharks Junior Section.
There was even a Grand National sweep stake, raising money to buy treats for ICU staff at West Cumberland Hospital.
Jordan and his club have certainly taken the values of rugby off the pitch and across their whole community at a time of unprecedented difficulty.
