Salford LDRL team to miss out on Magic Weekend after minibus stolen

Salford’s Learning Disability rugby league team will be unable to compete at Magic Weekend, after the foundation’s minibus was stolen from the AJ Bell Stadium.

The LDRL team were set to step out on the Anfield turf at half-time during the St Helens vs Castleford Tigers match on Sunday.

A Just Giving appeal has now been set up to allow the foundation to purchase a new minibus and end the restrictions on their activity.

Neil Blackburn, Salford Red Devils Foundation manager, said: “Competing at Magic Weekend would have been a fantastic experience for the team and we’re really disappointed they won’t be able to take part.

“Having the opportunity for them to step out at a Premier League ground just hours after the Salford Red Devils first team is unbelievable for a group that has only come together recently.

“Unfortunately this is just one of many instances where our activity has been restricted since the minibus was stolen.

“We used it to facilitate health, sport and educational programmes throughout the community, as well as transport equipment for our physical and learning disability programmes.”

He added: “At the moment we’re scrambling around in cars to make sure we’re still able to deliver for the community, but this is limiting us and can’t continue.

“Any assistance that can be provided would be hugely appreciated, whether that’s an offer of alternative transport, or a donation to our Just Giving page.

“We just want to keep providing for our community and make sure they don’t miss out on anymore opportunities.”

Click HERE to donate to the foundation’s Just Giving appeal.

Salford Red Devils Foundations mini bus was stolen from the AJ Bell Stadium at 12:20pm on Wednesday 15th May 2019. CCTV footage captures the bus, which has the registration number YR13 GKC, exiting the car park at speed.

Anyone with information which could prove to be helpful to criminal investigation can email: enquiries@salfordreddevils.net