The Northern Echo Arena will play host to A Touch Rugby Family Day in aid of Butterwick Hospice on Saturday, June 9. The event is being organised by Middlesbrough-based Industrial Technology Systems Ltd (ITS), which is a dedicated corporate partner of the hospice.

The touch rugby competition will feature teams of seven players – junior, adults and mixed – competing in ten-minute matches, although the advice is to have a squad of ten players in case anyone needs a rest! The entry fee is £300 per team, including pie, peas and a pint, with all proceeds going to the Butterwick.

As well as the rugby, there will also be a host of family attractions, including Punch and Judy, face-painting, bouncy castle, bouncy slide, popcorn machine, candyfloss, cake and sweet stalls, tombola and raffle. The fun event takes place between 12 noon and 6pm, with a £5 charge for a family of four to maximise the proceeds for the hospice. ITS is also covering all costs and the company is appealing to local businesses to donate prizes or goods for the stalls.

As an added fund-raising incentive, ITS managing director Malcolm Knott and Projects Director Graham Ives will be going in the stocks and having cream pies thrown at them.
Mr Knott said the Butterwick had become the company’s chosen charity after he visited the hospice and was especially moved by the care given to young people.

“Before the visit, I hadn’t really thought about how important a hospice is for children as well as adults, and I knew then that we should become long-term partners,” he said.

Event organiser Samantha Curvis, who is sales and marketing assistant at ITS, added: “We’re really proud to be supporting a charity that does such amazing work, so please come along and be part of a memorable day.”

To enter a team in the Touch Rugby Family Fun Day, or reserve entry tickets, go to www.its-ltd.co.uk