Event organised after Stalybridge mum's cancer battle raises £50K

A Recruitment firm based in Manchester has more than quadrupled its £10k fundraising target for a leading cancer hospital after hosting an inaugural charity rugby day.

The City Recruiter sold nearly 600 tickets for its event at the Etihad Complex for a day of fierce competition and family fun with around £50,000 raised.

The event was organised by Nick Ryan, who formerly played for Salford and now heads up The City Recruiter in Manchester, and former playing mate Chris Bamber, whose wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer last year at the age of 45 and received treatment at The Christie.

Just days before she was set to don her white dress and walk down the aisle, Sarahfound a lump on her breast.

It was this along with having lost a significant amount of weight, which prompted alarm bells to ring.

A doctor’s visit last year and later biopsies confirmed Sarah’s fears – it was breast cancer. 

Not only that, but on further investigation it was discovered that the tumours had been there for some time and had spread to her liver and bones.

The 45-year-old mum of three was told that although her cancer could be treated, it couldn’t be cured and was given a prognosis of between five and eight years.

“I was devastated; it was supposed to be such a happy time,” Sarah said.

Managing to tell her children, who were just three and four when Sarah received her diagnosis, presented its own challenge.

“When my husband and I sat them down, it was a huge thing for us to do, and a very difficult conversation to have with a three- and four-year-old,” she said.

“We never say the treatment will make me better or anything like that, as you never want to say something that’s not true. But there will probably come a time when we will need to have more of an in-depth conversation with them.”

Following her diagnosis, the Stalybridge mum began treatment at The Christie.

She began 24 cycles (24 weeks) of chemotherapy which finished in March 2024. 

She now receives treatment every three weeks to prevent the tumours from growing for as long as possible.

She described The Christie as, “an amazing place,” with incredibly supportive staff, and highlighted the willingness of both cancer survivors and those living with the illness to share their stories.

“I’ve met people who have been given three to six months to live, and they’re so inspiring and so positive,” she said.

“It shines a different light on my situation.”

At the fund-raiser, not even a Sunday chill could dampen the spirits of players and spectators, and the day kicked off with the GB Police Women’s Rugby team going head-to-head with the Keighley Cougars Women’s team. 

GB Police were quick to score a try within seconds of the first whistle, setting a precedent for the rest of the match. Despite many efforts by the Keighley Cougars, GB Women gave nothing away and went on to win with a score of 72-6.

Winning Captain Max Barker said: “That score represents what we are as a team, and we’ve got so much more to come.

“I know a couple of people who have been affected by cancer and that’s why we were keen to get involved.” 

Keighley Cougar’s Coach Darren Collins praised his team for giving the match, “110%.”

“The turnout was great for women’s rugby,” he said. 

“The women’s game at the moment is flourishing; let’s keep it going.”

Next up was the newly formed Manchester Select Men’s team, featuring co-organisers Nick and Chris Bamber, who challenged the GB Police Men’s Rugby squad.

Despite a solid defence from Manchester Select, GB Police stormed through and emerged triumphant with a final score of 22-4.

Manchester Select’s fierce determination to battle on to the end would not be swayed, however, and they scored an impressive try in the game’s final moments.

Manchester Select’s Head Coach and former professional, Steve Molloy, said: “The team were a credit to themselves. 

“These guys have put their bodies on the line; some of them haven’t laced up their rugby boots for up to 10 years, so to go out there and compete for 80 minutes is fantastic.

“We’ve all had members of our family or nearest and dearest people involved who have had cancer and it is close to my heart.

“It’s so important that people are more aware and that the fundraising and good work the charity does is continued.” 

Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton made a welcome appearance at the stadium and was seen cheering on each team. He later presented the raffle as the day drew to a close. 

Of the day’s events, Matty said: “It was a great spectacle. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and it’s all for a great cause. 

“The Christie is a great charity and it does so much for a lot of people’s lives.

“To see the community come out and support not only a great charity but a great game of rugby as well is fantastic. It’s a really special sport.”

Co-organiser, Chris, said: “It was a genuine pleasure to see all our hard work pay off and so many people gathering together to enjoy a bit of rugby.”

Nick added: “The support we’ve received is truly overwhelming, and it means the world to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause.

“Seeing the smiles, the energy, and the passion from everyone—from the players to the families in the stands—has been uplifting. This event was about unity, and it’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.”