Fundraising on Saturday’s game
7th May 2025
This Saturday we will be raising money for The Victoria Cross Trust!
The Victoria Cross Trust: Restoring the Graves of the Brave
The Victoria Cross Trust a local Doncaster charity will be at Castle Park for the Coventry game to remind us of the Doncaster Victoria Cross (VC) recipients, the links to Rugby and raise awareness of the vital work this charity does. Doncaster has seven VC recipients including one who was a professional rugby player from Bentley Thomas Bryan VC buried in Arksey and cared for by the Trust. The knights proudly display a memorial in the long-bar recognising those who played for the Knights and paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of World War 1
As part of this special occasion, Keith Lumley from the Victoria Cross Trust and a number of veterans will be present to raise awareness and funds to enable the charity to complete restorations of military graves around Doncaster that are not cared for by anyone. Keith will deliver a short speech about the charity’s mission and how supporters can get involved at the former players meal. Veterans will also be present in the long bar to encourage supporters to provide much needed funds. There will also be an opportunity to see a real Victoria Cross offering fans a unique chance to see this symbol of extraordinary bravery up close.
Rugby and the Victoria Cross
Rugby has a long and profound connection with military history. Many rugby players served with distinction during wartime, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. In WWI alone, 133 international rugby players lost their lives, including four members of England’s Five Nations-winning backline from 1914. One of them, Arthur Harrison, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Brendan Gallagher’s research in The Rugby Paper highlights these incredible stories, demonstrating how the sport and its players answered the call to duty. A recruitment poster from the era even urged rugby players to enlist, stating that “over 90% have enlisted,” showcasing their unwavering commitment to service. You can read more about this history in Gallagher’s article here: Balm Before the Storm – England’s 1914 Slam. https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/all/columnists/brendan-gallagher/15579/brendan-gallagher-balm-before-the-storm-englands-1914-slam/
The Victoria Cross Trust: Restoring the Graves of the Brave
The Victoria Cross Trust is dedicated to restoring and maintaining the graves of VC recipients who are not covered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Many of these graves have been left unmarked, forgotten, or fallen into disrepair, with no surviving family members to care for them. The charity works tirelessly to ensure these heroes are remembered with dignity and respect.
The Doncaster based charity’s work extends beyond grave restoration—they also strive to educate the public about the lives of VC recipients, ensuring their bravery is never forgotten. Through partnerships with families, local authorities, regimental associations, and schools, the Trust helps create memorials and lasting tributes to those who displayed the highest levels of courage in service to their country.
How You Can Help
Speak to anyone of the veterans or Keith at the Coventry game to learn more about the incredible work of the Victoria Cross Trust and how you can contribute to preserving the memory of these extraordinary servicemen. Whether through buying a raffle ticket, donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every effort helps to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
🔗 Learn More: Victoria Cross Trust Website 💙 Support Their Work: Donate Here
Join us at Castle Park for this special occasion, witness history in the form of a real Victoria Cross medal, and take a moment to honour the bravery of those who gave so much.
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