Why These Charities?
Why The Pituitary Foundation?
In 2000, Altrincham Kersal women's team captain Vicky Muir was diagnosed with Acromegaly; a condition where a tumour on her pituitary gland was producing too much growth hormone. Later that year Vicky underwent surgery to try and safely remove as much of the tumour as possible. The operation was a partial success and radiotherapy was required to fully deactivate the tumour. As a consequence the operation of the pituitary was also affected.
Throughout this worrying time for Vicky she received great support from the local Manchester branch of The Pituitary Foundation. The Pituitary Foundation is a national UK charity, which is working to provide information and support to those living with pituitary disorders, including patients, their relatives, friends and carers.
With the help and support of her family, friends, and The Pituitary Foundation, in 2002 Vicky was able to return to playing rugby and although now she is more likely to be found in a coaching or managerial role, she is still occasionally to be found lurking on the wing, or at the bottom of a ruck.
Why Breast Cancer Campaign?
Sue Garnett passed away on 23rd October after a long battle with cancer. Sue became involved with Vale of Lune RUFC about 20 years ago when her sons, first Paul, then Andrew started playing Mini rugby at the club. She was very proud of the fact that both sons went on to play for Lancashire and that Andrew is a member of the current Vale of Lune 1st XV.
Sue went on to become Chairman of the Junior section and joined the Senior Management Committee of the club, where her hard work, commitment and common sense made her an integral and important part of the club. For many years Sue was the Vale of Lune representative on the Lancaster, Morecambe and District Sports Council, where again, she made a vital contribution to sport in the area.
When the club began to develop plans for a new clubhouse, Sue took a very active role, and became Secretary to the Clubhouse Development Committee. Hopefully the new clubhouse will become a fitting memory to her commitment to the Vale of Lune. Administration was never enough for Sue, and she went on to take coaching awards and began playing for the Vale of Lune Ladies team. She as Manager, with her husband Brian as Coach took Vale of Lune Ladies to the RFUW National Premiership. She also played a major part at County and National level in developing Women's rugby, both at Junior and Senior level.
Sue will be missed by all concerned with rugby at the Vale of Lune and far beyond.
Breast Cancer Campaign’s mission is to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.