Sporting icons Marcus Stewart, Andy Booth and Danny Brough to be special guests at Huddersfield RUFC annual dinner
By Richard Syke
Three of Huddersfield’s sporting greats are guest speakers at the Huddersfield RUFC Annual Dinner on Friday 24th February.
Marcus Stewart, Andy Booth and Danny Brough will host the event, with profits going to the Derby Rimmer MND Foundation.
Marcus Stewart was diagnosed with MND last August and has supported the organization with donations.
The former terrier favorite said: “So much has been done to raise awareness and alleviate suffering. I didn’t know Stephen (Derby) and Chris (Rimmer) before I caught the disease but they were incredibly supportive.”
Derby, a former professional footballer, and former RAF veteran Rimmer founded the charity in 2015. Since then it has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help fight MND.
Marcus added: “Rugby has really ramped up their support for the MND cause and Kevin Sinfield’s efforts have gone well beyond that.”
Marcus made 133 appearances for Huddersfield Town between 1996 and 2000, scoring 58 goals for the club before continuing his Premiership career with Ipswich and Sunderland.
Marcus’ sons Kian and Finlay both play rugby for Huddersfield RUFC and since his diagnosis the club have run various fundraisers to support the charity.
Leeds Road legend Andy Booth made 293 appearances in the blue and white stripes, his two spells with Town including Marcus’ time at the club.
City manager Neil Warnock was at the helm during Andy’s first tenure at the club, describing him as “the best header at a ball outside of the Premier League”. Andy scored 134 goals for Town. As the club’s ambassador, he was more than willing to support his friend and former clubmate and be part of the cause.
Danny Brough will participate in a question and answer session over dinner. The former Huddersfield Giants half-back led the team to a Super League title win in 2013, a year in which he received the prestigious Man of Steel award.
With 25 caps for Scotland, Danny has made 247 appearances for the Giants and is the fifth-highest scoring player in rugby league history. Danny’s son plays rugby for the Huddersfield RUFC under-13 team.
The cause of MND was embraced by the nation’s rugby family after Scotland RU international Doddie Weir and Leeds Rhino legend Rob Burrow were diagnosed with the disease.
The incredible fundraisers of England RU defense coach Kevin Sinfield, a former team-mate and close friend of Rob’s, brought both rugby codes together to support the charities working hard to overcome the disease.
Comedian Martin Gold will bring his unique sense of fun to the black tie event, taking place at 7pm in Huddersfield RUFC’s stunning Waterloo Suite. The event is open to non-members and full details on how to book a spot HERE.