Rugby League fans are being urged to show their support for the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund by wearing their favourite jersey on the eve of this year's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final.
Friday August 25 has been designated as the sport's first 'Jersey Day' when supporters can show their true colours and raise funds for a fantastic charity in the process.
The first-ever Jersey Day is the idea of lifelong Rugby League fan Graham Berry, who will work alongside the Rugby Football League to create the sport’s own version of ‘dress-down Friday’.
Jersey Day also has the backing of Leeds Rhinos forward and former international player Jamie Jones-Buchanan, former Great Britain and St Helens player Paul Sculthorpe MBE and Lizzie Jones.
Lizzie, whose husband Danny died after suffering a cardiac arrest playing for Keighley Cougars against London Skolars in 2015, has already helped raise £50,000 for the defibrillator fund which is helping community clubs purchase life-saving equipment and provide cardiac screening for their players.
A special jersey has been made to represent Danny’s club (Keighley Cougars), country (Wales), number (6) and to celebrate Jersey Day – please visit www.rugbystreet.org.uk for more details.
Lizzie said: “I’m excited to see everyone wearing their Rugby League jerseys on August 25.
“For those that would like to make a donation in the build-up and on Jersey Day, the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund is going from strength to strength and now helping many clubs purchase life-saving equipment.
“The way everyone comes together for events like these really does make me proud to be involved in this sport.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan said: “This a fantastic way to celebrate our sport and a day that has already been marked on my calendar.
“I’ve accrued a few jerseys in my career and plenty hold many memories for one reason or another; from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley to my community club colours (Stanningley) which set the template for my 2009 Testimonial shirt.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re at work, school or in London ahead of the final, I’d encourage everyone to get their favourite jersey on!”
Fans wanting to make a donation to the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund on Jersey Day can do so via the fund's Just Giving page.
