Impact Rugby Tournament Raises More Than £20k

Impact Charity Rugby is in its fourth year and has already raised more than £20,000 for Jessie May Trust and Children's Hospice South West this year alone. 

Formed in 2012, by two Bristol Barbarians rugby players, Bob Barnes and Olly Slym, Impact Charity Rugby has raised over £75,000 during the last three seasons for local charities. 

Impact Charity Rugby is a scheme where around 30 participants, who have either never played rugby or been out of the game for a while, take part in a 10-week training programme.

The players trained their rugby skills and fitness twice a week and competed in a full match last weekend (Saturday, August 13th). 

"Impact Day was incredible and I would like to thank all the spectators and volunteers for making it such a wonderful occasion," said organiser Olly Slym.  

"The sun was shining on the 700 plus spectators as we raised over £20k for two wonderful charities.

"A big thanks needs to go to the girls and head coach, Pete Reakes, who committed so much to the 10-week program both physically and mentally.

"For them to get the win at the end was just the cherry on the cake."

The program has grown considerably with coverage and support from ITV's ‘Surprise Surprise’ show, England Rugby, Ben Cohen and former England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Click here to watch a full documentary on the project. 

All images courtesy of Paul Tutton Photography. For more images e-mail pics@paultutton.com.