Rugby shirt raises funds for Alzheimer’s charity

The special shirt was launched by 78-year-old Hull FC fan Jo who is living with Alzheimer’s

Hull FC has unveiled a shirt in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

It will be worn by players in a fixture against St Helens on 3 August.

After the match, the shirts will be signed by the players and auctioned off to raise funds.

Fans can also buy replicas from the club shop.

The Super League side said the club had been "deeply affected" in recent seasons, with former players James Leuluai and David Doyle-Davidson, as well as former head coach Royce Simmons, all living with the effects of the disease.

"Tony Duke, Chris Davidson and George Robinson have all sadly lost their battles with the illness in the last 18-months," the club added.

The shirt features black and white photographs of former players and historic games.

When worn during the game, the shirt will not have the usual players' names on the back, to signify the memory loss caused by Alzheimer's, the club said.

It was launched by life-long Black and Whites fan Jo, who is living with the illness in a Beverley care home.

The 78-year-old was joined by Hull FC players Brad Fash and Jordan Lane.

Alzheimer’s Society fundraiser, Ju Henderson, said the charity was "really excited" to be working with the club.

“It’s so important to us to not only raise funds for our local services but also to raise awareness of dementia, which is the UK’s biggest killer," she said.

“One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime so it’s vital that we continue to support families, fund research and keep dementia high on the government agenda.”

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