A charity rugby match is to take place in Ledbury this Sunday, to raise awareness and money for the fight against testicular cancer.

Back in late 2021, Benedict Shimwell was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

After a healthy dose of chemotherapy, he gathered a group of merry men and went climbing the National 3 Peaks in August 2022; summiting Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just over 22 hours.

Not quite satisfied that they’d pushed the boat out far enough, they then organised a rugby match – The Pilgrim Cup.

A group of young men was gathered – to spread awareness of testicular cancer (the most prevalent type in this age group) and the signs to look out for. They laughed, they cried, spilled pints and they’ll never look back.

Since the inaugural year, the group has raised £8000 for The Oddballs Foundation, Macmillan and St Michael’s Hospice.

This year the event is back, better than ever.

With Oddballs underwear for the players, a raffle with some big jackpot prizes, The Beefy Boys van providing much needed food for all spectators (and donating 10% of their profits to the cause) and Ledbury Rugby Club graciously hosting this rowdy lot again, it’ll be a day to remember.

Pop along and join the fun, raise a pint for lost friends and some money for the people that helped them; all donations are really appreciated and will go a really long way either in helping those affected by cancer, or in helping young men catch the signs early on.

The event starts at 11am, at Ledbury Rugby Club, on Sunday 1st September. 

Ledbury Rugby Club, Ross Road, Ledbury, Herefordshire. HR8 2LP.

Event Link – https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pilgrim-cup/1363268407911030/

Just Giving Link – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thepilgrimcup?utm_term=mpgee5xrV