Former Hornets players tackle special birthday fundraiser

Tony Pratt (third from the left) with members of the Rochdale Hornets Ex Players Association celebrating his 70th birthday

Members of the Rochdale Hornets Ex-Players Association celebrated a very special birthday by raising a four figure sum for Springhill Hospice.

When former Hornets winger Tony Pratt turned 70 it was time for a party and for friends and family to wish him well, but it was also an opportunity to recognise a local charity that has touched many people’s lives.

Tony said: “We had a fantastic night at Rochdale Golf Club and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t want personal presents though and we all agreed that raising money for Springhill would be the perfect addition to the evening. They do such marvellous work and we all know someone who has been cared for at the hospice. I am absolutely delighted by the amount we have been able to raise.”

Members of the Association, with Tony, called into the Hospice to hand over a cheque for the amount raised and donations made came to a grand total of £1,759.50.

Springhill Hospice Chief Executive, Julie Halliwell said: “We are very grateful for this wonderful donation and for the generosity of Tony, his colleagues from the Hornets and friends and family. It is so much appreciated and will be of great benefit to patients, families, staff and volunteers.”

The Hornets Ex-Players Association has been meeting for over twenty years and regularly supports local causes.

Their next event is the Annual Ex-Players Dinner on 24 February.