Crusaders to raise funds for Garry Purdham’s family

Crusaders RL will be raising funds for the family of murdered rugby player Garry Purdham at this Sunday’s game against Warrington Wolves.

Former Whitehaven and Workington Town player Garry Purdham, who once played against the Crusaders, was tragically killed during the Cumbria shootings in early June.

There will be bucket collections at the Racecourse Ground this Sunday, and there are plans to organise charity events in the future with all proceeds going to the Purdham family.

Crusaders centre Tony Martin is organising all fundraising events.

Martin played alongside Garry’s brother, Harlequins RL captain Rob Purdham during his time with London Broncos and admits last month’s tragic events have had a profound effect on the rugby league community.

Tony said: “Rob Purdham is a good mate of mine. I played with him for a few years at London and what happened in Cumbria was an absolute tragedy.

“The rugby league family is a very close knit one and we are always trying to help people out. It was an absolute tragedy to leave behind a wife and two young kids so we want to do everything we possibly can for his wife Ros Purdham and her two kids.

“We are initially going to do a fund raiser at the game. People will hopefully give kindly and donate. Like I said rugby league is a close community and we like to help our own so hopefully people will give generously. I know a few of the players are putting money into it as well and hopefully we can raise a good amount of money to give to the Purdham family.”