A MINCHINHAMPTON teenager raised hundreds of pounds for charity by organising a touch rugby tournament.

Jimmy Evans, 18, organise the event to fundraise for Penny Brohn UK, which has supported his mum Jennie since she was diagnosed with stage IV bowel cancer when he was 14.

Eight teams took part in the event at Hartpury College on June 8 with Ben's Baa-Baas, captained by Premiership Rugby star Ben Vellacott, being victorious. More than £800 was raised in the process.

Jimmy, who is captain of Minchinhampton RFC’s Colts team and studying rugby at Hartpury, said: “Penny Brohn UK is mum’s favourite charity.

"She went to their centre near Bristol when she was first diagnosed and has continued to use their services throughout her cancer treatment.

"I can see the difference that Penny Brohn UK makes to her, helping her to live well with cancer rather than letting it dominate her life.

"The support she receives in turn makes life easier for me. I’m really keen to raise awareness of the charity and its services and raise funds to support their work.

“I’m thrilled that the tournament was such a great success and we raised so much for Penny Brohn UK.

"A huge thank you to Hartpury for kindly agreed to host the tournament; to our sponsors and the companies and individuals who donated raffle prizes; and all the players that took part and supported the event.

"Most of all I was so proud to have mum there and see everything we achieved together.”

Sophie Thomas, community fundraising officer, said: “A huge thank you to Jimmy for organising the Touch Rugby Tournament to raise money for Penny Brohn UK.

"It was a fantastic event and was clear to see how much hard work had gone into organising the tournament.

"The money raised will help us support more people affected by cancer to live as well as possible for as long as possible.”

For more information about Penny Brohn UK visit

pennybrohn.org.uk