Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Brighton has helped charity supporters from Newick RFC in East Sussex raise £35,000 for Cancer Research during a special rugby match.

The event, which was called Newick RFC Kicks Cancer into Touch, was organised after the club’s chairman, Wayne Thomas, was recently diagnosed with cancer. Covers Brighton provided its support by sponsoring the team shirts. George Russell, who works in sales at Covers Brighton and has played for Newick RFC for a number of years, also played as a full back for the team on the day.

Wade Ayling, depot manager at Covers Brighton, said: “It was a fantastic event for an extremely worthy cause. We were delighted to show our support and help the club raise such an incredible amount for charity.”

Kate Alexander from Newick RFC, added: “After finding out that Wayne had been diagnosed with cancer, we knew we wanted to do something to help make a difference. Our sincerest thanks to everyone who supported us and helped raise such a significant amount for charity.”