AN Easter Sunday rugby match raised an incredible £13,000 for charity. 

Bex Merrin and her brother, Tom, organised the event at Kingsbridge Rugby Club (KRFC) to raise money for the club and the Farming Community Network (FCN). 

Bex and Tom's father, Phil Darke, was a farmer and former chairman of KRFC.  He organised the annual Farmers vs KRFC match on Easter Sunday, but sadly he passed away ten years ago. 

So, to mark a milestone since his passing, Bex and Tom decided to host a Farmers vs KRFC match on Sunday, March 31 2024. 

On the day, the farmers team had nearly 40 players and KRFC had around 30. 

Around 900 people turned up on the day, and many businesses sponsored the event, which included both a raffle and an auction, meaning £13,000 was raised during the event. Last month, Bex and Tom presented a cheque for £6,343 to the FCN. 

The pair have requested the money is used to focus on those who have just left young farmers (28+) and towards encouraging participation in sports. 

During the day, guests had the chance to shelter from the rainy weather thanks to a marquee donated by Hatch Marquees and they enjoyed listening to The Bootleggers play in the evening. 

"We were blown away by the support," said Bex. 

"We didn’t have a target we just wanted to push the power of sport and raise money for FCN. The money was a lovely bonus, but no way did we think we’d raise that much. 

"Dad was a strong advocate of the power of sport within a community and on an individual. We spent countless years on a Sunday, driving around the south west with very loud, rock music on as Dad attempted to psych Tom up for another rugby match. He was only six and I’m not sure who it was more for…..I don’t think it is a coincidence that both Tom and I carry on this passion for sport as a ‘athletic rugby player’ and PE teacher respectively.

"The power of sport really did prove itself, alongside the phenomenal impact a local community can have! The Farmers had a highly competitive match against a very strong KRFC side and unfortunately narrowly lost...we will have them next year.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the support we had prior to the game from sponsors and then on the day with the number of people who turned up, bought raffle tickets and the infamous caps and then those who generously bid on the auction."