26 Sep 2025 Community

Dewsbury Rams supporters Raise Over £200 for The Kirkwood

The Kirkwood would like to say a huge thank you to Dewsbury Rams RLFC and their supporters, who came together to raise more than £200 for our patients and families at their home fixture against Goole Vikings on Friday 13th June 2025.

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of local people and community organisations to ensure that we can continue to provide the very best care and support for those affected by life limiting illnesses across Kirklees. The Rams’ fundraising efforts highlight the powerful impact that strong community partnerships can have.

Our Media and Marketing Officer, Steven Downes, attended the match and was touched by the warm welcome and generosity shown.

He said: “It was fantastic to attend Dewsbury's game against Goole and despite the defeat on the day, the money raised from the fixture will go a long way for our patients and families.

“Having worked at the club previously I understand how vital a community hub the club is to the area of Dewsbury. Much like The Kirkwood we have a community spirit that is special in Kirklees. It was lovely to return for a second successive season and meet friends and new supporters.

“As Tony alludes to below, people in Dewsbury may not know of our services and may not realise we are the hospice for them. However key touch points and exposure in fixtures like these for The Kirkwood brand helps to get the message out there that we are the hospice for the whole of Kirklees.

“As well as attending the fixture The Kirkwood logo was also on the club's shirts and that was a proud moment for our charity.

“I'd like to thank Tony for his cooperation and partnership and we look forward to working with the club moving forward.”

Dewsbury Rams CEO, Tony Scargill, also praised the fundraising efforts and emphasised why supporting The Kirkwood is so close to his heart.

He commented: “We are extremely proud of both our club and our supporters for donating money to The Kirkwood. Many of them may not be aware of the great work that goes on with the hospice but realise it is a very worthy cause and were happy to donate.

“It’s so important that a community club such as ours also tries to help the local community and the organisations within it, especially charities such as The Kirkwood. I believe that partnerships such as the one we have with The Kirkwood are so important to help profile its existence and the valuable work that goes on there. We need to play our part in helping to maintain its profile and I hope that we can continue to work in partnership for many years to come.

“A lot of people in our area may not be aware of the excellent work that is carried out by The Kirkwood. I know how well The Kirkwood cares for people with a terminal illness and the incredible level of support and empathy that they give people while they are there. The compassion that they showed to a close relative of mine and the difference that they made to that person was so good and from a personal point of view it is a charity that we now do our best to support on a personal level.

“I’d heard of The Kirkwood but not seen the work they do and if more people knew of The Kirkwood I’m sure that would be of huge benefit. At difficult times people don’t always know where to turn and in Dewsbury perhaps people don’t always realise that The Kirkwood is there for them. The more we can help with promoting the name the more it will be of benefit not just to The Kirkwood but to the wider population of Dewsbury.

“At the start of the season our aim was to finish in the top 4 of League One and have a tilt at the play offs and possible promotion. By winning our last game of the season we achieved the 4th place finish but a league restructure has meant that play offs have been cancelled but we are all together in one division in 2026 so you could say we were promoted as well! We now need to consolidate our position in the improved competition but have to do so within our own financial constraints to ensure that our club remains sustainable and secure for many years to come.”

We are incredibly grateful to Tony, the Rams, and their supporters for choosing to back The Kirkwood. Every pound raised will help us provide care, comfort, and compassion to families across Kirklees, and we look forward to continuing this special partnership in the years ahead.