4 Feb 2026 Community

Huddersfield Laund Hill Rugby team raise funds for The Kirkwood

For Dale Earnshaw, rugby has always been about far more than the game itself. It has been about friendship, loyalty and standing shoulder to shoulder through life’s highs and lows. Those values were never clearer than in the tribute he helped create in memory of his close friend and teammate, Andy Boyles.

Andy was a long standing and much loved member of Huddersfield Laund Hill Rugby Club, formerly Huddersfield YMCA. Alongside Dale, he helped run the club’s Nomads team, a social and veterans side that brought together players aged over 35, many of whom had played the game for decades.

Dale said: “We played for years and years just as a group of old men really. It was mainly a veterans team, although most of us were far older than that. Andy was a huge part of it all, not just the rugby, but the social side too.”

Around 13 years ago, Andy collapsed while playing rugby and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The tumour was successfully removed and, defying expectations, Andy went on to live life fully for many years afterwards, including returning to the rugby field.

Dale continued: “What was even better was that he was able to get back onto the rugby field, maybe against the odds of some of his doctors. He was very much like that. Nobody could tell him what to do.”

One of Andy’s proudest moments came when he achieved a personal goal that meant the world to him: “He was able to play a game of rugby with his son, Ash. I know that meant everything to him. From the moment he became ill, his goal was to get back out on the field, and he did.”

Sadly, Andy’s illness returned in late 2024. With a poor prognosis, he was admitted to The Kirkwood in September 2024, where he spent several weeks receiving care before being transferred to a care home in Newsome. Andy died in May 2025. Dale remembers vividly his first visit to The Kirkwood: “I didn’t really know much about the hospice before Andy came here. But the first time I visited, I was honestly outstandingly impressed by the care and compassion on display.”

What struck Dale most was the way Andy was treated as an individual: “People treated Andy as a person, not just a patient. The care wasn’t only for him, but for his family as well. That person centred approach was fantastic.”

Following Andy’s death, his funeral took place in May 2025 and brought together a huge number of former teammates and friends. The reception was held at Huddersfield Laund Hill Rugby Club, a fitting place to celebrate a man who had given so much to the club: “It was absolutely packed,” Dale said. “People were sad, but we made sure it wasn’t a miserable occasion. We were there for his family, remembering him properly.”

Later that year, Dale decided to honour Andy’s memory through the club’s annual over 35s Christmas rugby match, played between Huddersfield Laund Hill and the club at Lockwood Park. Having retired from playing after 40 years in the game, Dale focused entirely on fundraising: “Rather than playing, I decided to devote my attention to raising as much money as I could. I suggested that any money we raised should come to The Kirkwood, because I knew how much you supported Andy.”

The response from the rugby community was overwhelming. Former players returned, raffle and auction prizes poured in, and the day exceeded all expectations: “Someone donated a signed Jonny Wilkinson shirt, which raised £500 on its own. In total, we raised £1,960. My original target was £500, so I was absolutely blown away.”

For Dale, knowing the money raised will help others receive the same care Andy did brings real comfort: “Every penny counts. Knowing that someone else can receive that level of care, whether it’s training staff or providing meals like the ones Andy loved so much, it really does mean a lot.”

The experience has also inspired Dale to think about giving more of his time in the future: “It’s made me want to continue supporting The Kirkwood, whether that’s fundraising or volunteering. Seeing that level of care up close changes you.”

Andy Boyles was, in Dale’s words, “an absolute character”, a man who embodied the spirit of rugby and community. Through friendship, fundraising and shared memories, his legacy now lives on, helping others receive care from The Kirkwood when they need it most.