Bala rugby player Yogi gets funds boost

Aug 27 2008 By David Simister

A STRICKEN rugby star from Bala has garnered the support of a top clothing company after it decided to raise funds through t-shirt sales.

Harrogate firm Ellis Rugby decided to lend their support to former Bala player Bryan "Yogi" Davies, who was paralysed last year after a tragic accident on the pitch, by donating profits from one of its t-shirts to the player’s appeal fund.

"This is real life tragedy about a rugby player who has dedicated most of his life to our sport and I’m hoping we can raise a significant amount through shirt sales" said Kevin Ellis, the firm’s Managing Director.

"Its difficult not to be moved by Bryan’s plight, I instantly related to the situation being a rugby player of a similar age with a young family."

The t-shirt, which will raise funds for specialist equipment for Davies, is available in blue and red and features the line "Get your first tackle in early, even if it's late", a quote attributed to Wales and British Lions legend Ray Gravell.

Ellis says that the Bala player also ‘repaid with interest’ what he got out of the game, often cutting the grass and painting the posts and clubhouse at the club, and never missing a training session.

The plight of the popular player has inspired a number of fund-raising drives around the county this year, including a tractor pull and an assault on the UK’s three highest peaks.

To buy your t-shirt, visit www.ellisrugby.com, and find out more about the Bryan Davies Appeal Fund by visiting www.bryandavies.org.uk.