Red Nose Day: Witney Wolves Rugby Club

The Witney Wolves, based at Witney Rugby Club, is a special needs tag rugby team for boys and girls aged seven and upwards.

They will now spend the money on a trip to Belfast, where they will compete in an international competition.

Mum Sarah Hiley volunteers at the club. She said it was the highlight of her son George’s week.

She said: “We were formed in October 2009 by a lady called Linda Paul. Her son James has Down’s Syndrome and she was desperately trying to find something for him to do because he loved rugby.

“Her family went along to a touch rugby tournament and she just wondered if there would be any interest for that back in Witney.”

Since its formation, the club has gone from strength to strength. It now has 11 children, with various special needs.

Mrs Hiley said: “My son George is 11 and has global learning difficulties. He absolutely loves it, it is the highlight of his week.”

Three trained coaches work with the team and they will travel to Belfast on June 10 to compete in a tag rugby festival.

Mrs Hiley said: “We need to fly the children over, as a coach isn’t feasible. We want them to have kit like everyone else, and need accommodation for at least one child and a family member.”

The club has been fundraising since March and parents have raised £1,500 themselves.

Every Sunday morning, they have been at Witney Rugby Club selling refreshments and cakes.

Mrs Hiley said: “People have been so supportive. We are determined to go, even if we have to raise the rest of the funds afterwards.

“This money will be an amazing help. Children with special needs often don’t get to do this kind of thing because they can’t keep up in a mainstream team.

“But with the Witney Wolves, especially if they get to go to Belfast, they feel they can achieve and feel properly part of a team.”

She added: “Having that team experience of playing in a team, in a tournament, will be invaluable.”

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk