Cardiff based rugby team, Headway Select XV, are preparing to play a charity match against Maynard Select today, Friday 11th November.
The dual-cause match will raise funds for both Headway Cardiff and South Wales brain injury charity and Wales Heart Research.
Chris Case, founder of Headway Select XV, said: “We really hope to see a good turn out to the match. It’s all for a good cause and proceeds will be donated to Headway Cardiff and South Wales and Wales Heart Research.
“We are playing to raise awareness for brain injury and the amazing work Headway do, as well as in memory of Calvin Maynard who died of a heart condition. Calvin was a loveable man who was well known and liked throughout Cardiff. He played a lot of his youth rugby with the guys in the Calvin Maynard XV.”
Chris Case founded Headway Select XV after his wife, Alex, made a miraculous recovery from a brain injury.
Chris said: “During the aftermath of Alex’s brain injury, we received incredible support from my local rugby club, and it really demonstrated how the rugby community looks out for each other on and off the pitch. I wanted to do something that brought my love for rugby and passion to support people with brain injuries together, and so the Headway Select XV charity rugby team was born.”
“The team is made up of players from various Cardiff clubs, with the mission of raising awareness of concussion in sport. There’s a real risk that if players don’t take concussion seriously, they could end up with serious health issues, relying on charities like Headway for support.”
As a result of his incredible efforts with establishing both Headway Select XV and for his outstanding contribution to Headway Cardiff and South Wales, Chris has been nominated for the prestigious Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway national award. The ceremony will take place 9 December at The Landmark London.
“I was in shock when I found out I had been nominated!” Chris continued. “I’ve been aware of this award for quite some time and I’m familiar with the achievements of former nominees and winners, so to be named amongst them is very humbling.
“Headway is a brilliant charity and I really hope lots of people will come down and support us at our match tomorrow. We will also have live music, rugby memorabilia on sale, a charity auction and face painting available.”
The match will take place at 7:15pm at Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street.
