WASPS TO TURN THE STINGER YELLOW FOR MARIE CURIE

THE STINGER TURNED YELLOW FOR MARIE CURIE

Wasps are getting behind the charity Marie Curie by transforming the Ricoh Arena into a yellow wonderland in an attempt to raise awareness and valuable funds for the UK’s leading charity for people living with any terminal illness and their families.

The Aviva Premiership Rugby club has dedicated its Midlands derby against Northampton Saints at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday, April 3 (kick-off 3pm), to Marie Curie by hosting a range of fundraising activities designed to make a lasting difference to the charity, which provides care and support to people across the UK.

At the club’s flagship fixture of the season - The Stinger - Wasps will encourage supporters of both teams to wear yellow on the day to raise awareness of the important care Marie Curie provides in the community and will be donating three per cent of every match ticket sold to the charity, while Marie Curie volunteers will also hold a bucket collection at the ground on the day of the game.

Volunteers will be collecting for Marie Curie as part of the charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal, where the charity asks people to wear a daffodil pin and make a donation.

In addition, fundraising will take place throughout the hospitality suites and activities will be organised in the increasingly-popular and family-friendly Fan Village.

David Armstrong, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wasps, said this was a fantastic opportunity for Wasps and Northampton Saints to raise a significant sum of money for Marie Curie.

“Traditionally, we have identified one game a season as a highlighted fixture – which we call The Stinger – and try to make it special and meaningful for all the family,” he said. “We thought it would be a good idea to use this local derby to help a national charity which does great work in our area.

“We are proud to be supporting Marie Curie in a variety of fundraising activities which are all designed to raise awareness of the great work it does supporting people with terminal illnesses in their own homes and at the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull.

“This is the first time we have organised such a major fundraising campaign for a single match at the Ricoh Arena.

“We will be announcing a series of fundraising activities over the next few weeks to encourage as many people as possible to get behind the daffodil as well as opportunities for those who are not attending the match to donate as well.

“In a show of support for Marie Curie , we are encouraging everyone to show their support by wearing yellow to help raise awareness of the great work undertaken by the charity and we will be giving a percentage from each match ticket we sell.

“This fundraising campaign will make a real difference to peoples’ lives and we hope as many people as possible will become involved.”

The charity offers expert nursing care, guidance and support to help people get the most from the time they have left.

Jo Stradling, Divisional General Manager for the Midlands at Marie Curie, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wasps and Northampton and everybody at Marie Curie is looking forward to what we’re sure will be a fantastic partnership, with lots of exciting events planned for everyone to get involved with.

“Every penny raised will help us support more people living with a terminal illness, and their families with the impact of fundraising lasting long after the final whistle has gone.”

To make a donation, please visit JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/thestinger

Tickets for Wasps v Northampton Saints are available from £15 for adults and under-10s go free and are available from www.wasps.co.uk or by ringing 024 7678 6411.