The Charlie West Cross Code Cup returns to Manchester
THE CHARLIE WEST Cross Code Cup returns to Manchester on Saturday 14 November and sees the Manchester Metropolitan University Men’s Rugby Union and Men’s Rugby League teams come head-to-head in the annual event to raise money for charity.
The event, which is now in its second year, was established in 2014 by alumni, Ed Otty and Blake Mahovic, and is dedicated to Manchester Metropolitan University student and first team rugby union player, Charlie West, who, following an accident 18 months ago was left paralysed from the neck down.
Event founder and alumnus, Ed Otty, said, “The event was initially discussed as a preseason game that would be beneficial to both clubs however, after the tragic events of summer 2014, we decided to turn the event into something much more.
“Because of the nature of Charlie’s injuries, we decided to host the match in honour of him and to raise money in aid of spinal cord injury research. The event snowballed and turned out to be so much bigger than we ever could have anticipated, with students and staff showing overwhelming support.”
This year’s event will be held at Broughton Park FC from 7:00pm and will be raising money for Wings for Life, a charity that funds research into spinal cord injury, as well as SpecialEffect and the Mark Hampsom Foundation, who have both supported Charlie following his accident.
Alumnus and previous rugby league chair, Blake Mahovic, said, “Last year’s event was so much bigger than either Ed or myself has expected, and the final event was beyond our greatest expectations. The attendance, money raised and support shown was incredible.
“Ed and I both wanted to see the event continue and grow, and it’s great that both rugby clubs have worked really hard to build on what we started. Both of us are really looking forward to seeing the event grow and improve.”
Almost 500 people attended the event last year, raising over £2500 for charity.
Dom Bryan, current co-captain of this year’s men’s rugby league 1st team, said, “The event is one that raises a lot of money for a good cause and brings together everyone involved with sport at MMU, presenting some friendly rivalry between to the two rugby teams. The event has the potential to get bigger every year and it’s fantastic to be part of that.
Ryan Hanson, captain of this year’s men’s rugby union 1st team, said, “Being part of this event means a lot to everyone involved; both players and supporters. It’s a really important event for us to take part in and, with both rugby teams playing at an increasingly higher standard every year, it definitely helps the increase in the size and scale of the event.”
Tickets for this year’s event will be priced at £5 each and will be available directly from either rugby club or from The Opportunities office at The Union from Monday 9 November.
