Bishop pitches in for charity

THE BISHOP Of Wakefield, the Rt Rev Stephen Platten, has been hearing how charity Try Assist has helped rugby players who have suffered life-changing injuries on the pitch.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Mar 2013, 00:01 BST

The Bishop has chosen Try Assist – which gives lifelong support to injured rugby league players – as his local charity this Lent and has urged parishes and church communities to help raise much needed fun.

He visited Wakefield Wildcats stadium yesterday to meet Jimmy Gittins, left, and Stuart Walker. The two local rugby league players were both seriously injured while playing the sport.

Bishop Platten said: “I want parishes to engage with this very worthwhile project. The money we raise makes a very real difference to people’s lives.”

Other than receiving a £1 per ticket sold at the Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Finals each year, Try Assist relies on donations and fundraising initiatives for its income and last year spent over £100,000 in helping players and their families. picture: simon hulme.