Thousands raised in memory of Richard Jones

Donations have been pouring in for a much loved Wetherby Rugby Club coach and Harrogate businessman and entrepreneur.

Richard Jones, MD of Clever Association, passed away very unexpectedly on Wednesday January 13 from acute myeloid leukaemia.

At his funeral on February 11, his family including wife Anna and children Carmen and Frankie expressed a wish for any donations to be made to Martin House Children’s Hospice or to Wetherby Rugby Club, where he played for many years and captained sides.

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A staggering £12,300 has now been made in donations to Martin House, which will make a big difference to the charity.

Beckie Wynne, director of income generation at Martin House, said: “It’s a fitting tribute, and a testament to the high regard everyone had for Richard that such a magnificent sum has been raised in his memory.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support, particularly Richard’s family for thinking of us at what is such a difficult time for them.

“During his life Richard had a significant impact on the care we offer to children and young people through his fundraising, and that legacy will continue thanks to the generosity of his friends and family in making this donation.”

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In addition to this Richard had started a refurbishment project at Wetherby Rugby Club back in 2020.

He had planned to launch a crowdfunding appeal to help complete this project and Andy Hewitt, from the club, duly delivered upon his wishes in February. Richard was Vice Chairman of the Mini Junior Section and Head Coach of the U12 ‘Warlords’.

He also played for the club over 100 times and was captain from 2000 to 2002.

The initial goal for the fundraiser was £20,000 and this has been more than doubled to over £54,000 with many donations in his memory and £10,000 matched funding from Sport England.

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Reaction from Andy Hewitt, Mini Junior Chairman at the rugby club said: “The response from club members, the local community & especially friends and family, who knew Richard, has been phenomenal.

“We never dreamt of raising this much and I know Richard would be blown away by everyone’s generosity.

“He had been involved in the club for well over 30 years and was a character who will be sorely missed around the club.

“We will ensure the clubhouse project is completed in his honour, a fitting tribute to a great man who embodied the values of rugby – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. Principles he adopted right across his life.”

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Richard’s parents Mel and Elizabeth Jones stated: “We are overwhelmed by the magnificent support the tribute fund has raised.

“We cannot thank the donors enough and the fund, which now stands at just over £54,000, will be carefully spent on completing Richard’s wishes.”

Additional donations can still be made to either appeal in his memory. Martin House Hospice https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anna-jones57 Wetherby RUFC

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/wetherby-rugby-club-tackles-the-pandemic

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