9 fantastic pictures at Bridgnorth rugby fun day in memory of popular farm worker who had 'heart of pure gold'

Hundreds turned out at a rugby tournament for a day of friendly competition in memory of a popular farming worker who tragically died in a road collision.

The Will Rogers Memorial Day took place at Bridgnorth Rugby Club’s Edgar Davies Ground on Saturday, July 25.

The tournament is in memory of Will Rogers, who died aged 26 on the B4368 at Diddlebury, near Craven Arms, on April 30, 2022.

Every year since Will died, his mum Mandy Oliver has organised a rugby tournament in his memory, with some of the teams featuring some of his friends and team mates he played with.

Before this year, the tournaments had raised around £8,000 for different charities.

This year, proceeds will be going towards Tough Enough To Care, a men’s mental health charity.

The Flaming Unicorns, the charity’s rugby team, competed against Bridgnorth 3rds and the Riley Tops.

There was also a kids touch rugby tournament for “minis” and “juniors”, with a bouncy castle, face painting and food and drink, to keep everyone entertained.

Mandy said she can’t believe how support has continued to grow for the special day in memory of her beloved boy, who away from the rugby pitch was a talented sheep shearer and agricultural worker.

She said: “This event seems to have grown a life of its own. It’s a way of keeping his name alive.”

When Will died, the tragedy resulted in an outpouring of grief in the community.

Hundreds attended his funeral, which featured a tractor procession.

“Will was our world,” Mandy said. “He was full of fun and could always make you smile with his witty sense of humour.

“With a smile and a hug he could make the world a better place.

“Will lived his life to the full, he has made many friends far and wide and he touched the hearts of everyone who knew him with his kindness and a heart of pure gold.”

One of Will’s childhood friends is also raising money for charity.

Lee Firmstone, aka The Bale Man, has been running various races in the area with a hay bale strapped to his back.

He is raising money for the Shropshire Rural Support charity.

And there is a sheep shearing competition at the Burwarton Show in Will’s memory.