Message From The Bumbles

Below is an email I have recieved from Mark Goodwin the coach of the Bradford & Bingley Bumbles, mixed ability team. I must say it was a pleasure having these guys with us and they ended up playing games back to back to help the event go a smoothly as possible.

'On behalf of all the Bumbles I would like to say what a privilage it was to be part of the 7's tournament and a great day. All of the team felt we were at a really special event and are proud we could play our part.

Our thanks to every team we played against, the match officials who occasionally 'cut us some slack'. Jason Robinson for his inpromptu coaching session, and without meaning to single one out one group... A special thank you to the winning team who appeared to be a proper bunch of bruisers in body stockings. They encouraged and supported Bumbles players with Disabilities giving us a  game to remember.'

Best Regards to yourself, Nathan and his family,

Gooders.

Guys you are all a credit to the rugby family and I look forward to coming to one of your training sessions.

What a day

What can i say, an amazing day!!

The rugby family are truly amazing, and I know that's often used a lot now a days but i truly mean it guys. I hope everyone of you enjoyed your day and will want to come back next year.
The day started with competitive game between Keighley and Wharfedale, both teams putting on a great performance, and Jason Robinson showing he's still very sharp indeed.

The final was a very competitive final indeed and had the first yellow card of the day, along with going to sudden death to settle the game, which was won by the Morphs from Keighley.

Thank you to every team that turned up and a massive thank you to the referee's who not only gave up their day to help, but when team were short of player joined them and had a run out too.

I know that Nathan enjoyed his day and all your support too, he didn't even mind all the photo calls he had to make (celebrity life Nathan). I know everyone of you who met him will agree that he is a truly remarkable young man.

I must say a massive thank you to the following companies who without them the event would not have been the success it was

• Grange Jaguar
• Proskins
• Hardcore Personal Training
• Hog Roast Yorkshire
• Gilbert
• Centurion
• Tag Rugby.org
• RRS

There were so many great raffle prizes too, thank you to everyone who donated them too. I will post a list of the prizes and winners as soon as I have this.

If you want to view the event photo's of the official photographer then please look at this link Charlie Perry Photography

We did a rough count towards the end of the day yesterday and we look to have raised around £3,500.00!!!!! Thank you all for helping and digging deep.

If you'd like to see this as an annual event then email nathantagrugby@gmail.com, we already have the Hog Roast and Hardcore Personal Training on board guys!!!!

Less than 24hrs to go

With less than 24hrs to go, things are building up now for the event and the only thing we really need is to borrow a couple of gazebo's if anyone can spare one for the day.

We have lots of raffle prizes and tombola prizes for the event, thank you to everyone who has provided something for this.

The weather forecast is looking very good indeed, so remember you sun tan lotion and sun hats.

We went and got everything for breakfasts yesterday, so Sausage, Bacon, Egg or combinations of the above will be on sale from 8am.

So looking forward to meeting everyone of you who is giving up your Saturday for Nathan.

I know you will all make it a memorable day, and if you would like to see it as an annual event then please tell me, Sue or any of the stewards.

In the words of Nathan its time to 'Crack On'.

Keighley News Update

Keighley News

Jason Robinson will be the star attraction

11:18am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Sport

Jason Robinson will be player coach

Dual-code international and former British Lion Jason Robinson is undoubtedly the star attraction at tomorrow’s Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Festival at Keighley Rugby Union Club (9am-5pm).
The 37-year-old ex-Great Britain rugby league star and former England rugby union international has certainly embraced the idea of helping the injured Keighley Rugby Union Club teenager.
Robinson, who has obtained sponsorship from Proskins and Grange Jaguar – two companies he is closely associated with – will also be playing for and coaching Nathan’s under-17 team and has promised to stay all day.
All of the teams (there will be a maximum of 32) will be in fancy dress, and there will be a prize for the best kit. Teams will be signing on at 8.45am for a 9am start.
But there is plenty going on apart from the rugby in a day that has been organised by family friend Mark Dunstan, with a tug-of-war event halfway through the tag rugby, and Nathan deciding the winner of a bake-off competition, with a prize for the tastiest.
There will be plenty of other food on offer, including a barbeque and, from 1pm, a hog roast, both courtesy of Hog Roast Yorkshire. Other delicacies include a pie-and-pasty stall and cake stall, while Nathan’s sister Naomi will be making sure that the younger end aren’t forgotten in terms of entertainment by holding colouring competitions, face painting and pass the parcel etc.
In addition there will be nail painting, dancing and more games, as well as a raffle and tombola.
The bar will open at 11am but bacon butties, tea and coffee will be available from the clubhouse from 9.30am. Admission for the tag rugby is £4 but under-17s are allowed in free, while volunteers will be needed throughout the day.
Evening entertainment will be provided in the clubhouse when the Little Earthquakes are providing live music.
Doors will open at 7pm, with the band on stage from 8.45pm. Tickets are £5 per person.
Nathan broke his neck playing rugby for Keighley under-17s last November, and his misfortune has led to a coming together of the global rugby family, both known and unknown.
Keighley news

2 Days to go

Wow only 2 days to go scary at that seems I think we are just about there.

Nathan's Uncle Ronnie asked me last night if there is anything I wouldn't ask companies for, and after sourcing free portaloo's and now getting the bread cakes for breakfast at a very good price and everything in between I don't think there is. But I always ask in a very polite way and if companies can't support the event I always say thank you for their reply in these hard times for businesses.

I must today say a thank you to www.oriss.co.uk who today offered to produce some T shirts for the event, however due to cost and time restraints we have had to turn down their offer, but will certainly be considering them for further events.

We have had an hicup with the printing of the sponsors details on to the referees shirts today, but this is in hand, or rather under the iron!!

If anyone can loan a Gazebo or 2 for the day that would be great too, just let me know by emailing nathantagrugby@gmail.com ,  we will be at the ground from 5pm on Friday evening setting up so if your free a hand would be most welcome.

The event kicks off with the first match being between Nathan's Keighley team (including Jason Robinson) verses Wharfdale. This will give all the player the chance to see Jason play before their games kick off. Not sure who will referee this one yet, guess it's who ever buys my breakfast (joking).

Here's a photo of Nathan in his new chair, hope we can all make it a great day for him on Saturday.

One last thing, if you can use the parking and shuttle bus from Acre Park on Dalton Lane that would help us out on the day, alternatively we can try and arrange to pick you up from Steeton & Silsden train station if you call the event mobile number 07825779215

Volunteers meeting

Not the biggest turn out for tonight's meeting, but thank you to everyone who turned up tonight, we have managed to sort out some more of the roles and finer points of the event.

A massive thank you to the Chris Brown Trust for coming on board to help us, please take the time to have a look at there facebook page.

We require volunteers to be down at the ground from 8am, we have car parking, registration and breakfasts to cover. Then we need pitch managers from 9am, so please if you are helping us and haven't yet been in touch email nathantagrugby@gmail.com with your details and availability.

We will have an event phone for the day so any issues or if you need information then please call 07825779215.

We need your help even if it is only for 1 hour!!!!

Volunteers Meeting

Please don't forget that if you are free tonight and want to volunteer at the event, we have a meeting at Keighley Rugby Union Club starting at 7pm.

We have been told that the bar will be open and the sun is shining too, so if your free please come and join us, let us know what times you are available and what you would like to do.

Lets make it a massive and successful day for all the teams and especially Nathan!!

At Last

Finally the referees kits have arrived, now just need to get the sponsors logo printed on them, and in the words of Sian ' I can't wait to see the referees with Hardcore on them'.

5 days to go and things are ramping up, only thing we really need is a broadband dongle to allow us to upload photos and updates to the blog and Twitter through the day. If anyone can help please email nathatagrugby@gmail.com



1 week to go!!!

Yes its on 6 days and we will be in full swing at Keighley Rugby Union Club, but before that we have a meeting on Tuesday night 22nd May at the club for all volunteers. Please if you want to help on Saturday come along to this meeting so we can discuss the roles with you and also how the day will work. If you can't attend and have not been in touch with us yet to volunteer please email nathantagrugby@gmail.com or visit Nathan Volunteers Facebook and register your interest.

we have also started a group for Nathan on facebook so that all his events can be linked to one point on there, you can view this by clicking here Nathan Cubitt Events .

The program has gone to the printers this week, we have also received the raffle tickets and these are on sale now. Some more amazing prizes have come in this week, so please check out that page on the blog.

We are still in need of a T shirt printer and this is going to be a major struggle this week, but if anyone out there can help us, please email nathantagrugby@gmail.com , if you want to help by arranging the T shirts and sponsor them with your logo this can be looked at too.

We are asking people to use a parking and shuttle bus from Acre Park, Dalton Lane, Keighley, BD21 4JH on the day as there is limited parking at the club and we wouldn't want people blocking the road trying to get in.

We need entries for the big Nathan bake off too, if you want to enter this you can bring your entry with you on the day.

Naomi is going to run the fun things for the younger children on the day, this will include colouring competitions, pass the parcel, face painting and much more. All the staff running this work at Dragons Den at Acre Park, and hold all the relevant certificates, so thank you to them.

If you haven't yet sent your entry forms in then please do so urgently to nathantagrugby@gmail.com, as I need to do the match layout no later than Thursday, there's a lot of work to do on this so please don't miss out!

If there is a banner company out there that can help we would love an event banner for the top of the drive on the day, I know its a lot to ask but if you can help we would be most grateful.

Nathan has received his new wheelchair this week and will be flying around in this next Saturday, so watch your legs and ankles!!!

More update

Well a little bit quieter day today, but that may be down to O2 changing my phone contract before i got my phone to go with it!!

We need to say a massive thank you to Geoff at Parkinsons Printers who without his expertise, knowledge and support the raffle tickets would not have been completed!

Sales are going steady on these, but with more raffle prizes coming in if you want one get in touch, if you can sell some then get in touch too at nathantagrugby@gmail.com

Also a thank you to Accrington Lions for supplying the games for around the site on the day.

I would also like to draw your attention to Sam Boatwright who is currently running 50 miles a day for 50 days in aid of the Help For Hero's. I am sure you will agree this is an amazing feat of strength and determination. He will be finishing in Skipton High Street on the same day as Nathan's event, yet Skipton RUFC are still going to try and get a team into our event and be there to welcome it back. Check out Sam's web page here http://www.epicrun.co.uk/

Amazing People

What an amazing crazy day it has been today!!

I have had contact from Ben at the London Irish Club offering support with the Tag Rugby Belts, then Jason Robinson calls to say that he has managed to source these from the RFU which is amazing. Thank you to everyone involved in sourcing these and Ben for offering help from another great club.

Then I had Tommy from matthampson foundation call me to offer help with the belts, but also to offer some raffle prizes and any other support the foundation can offer, which is amazing as these guys are just about to undertake the walk4matt at the weekend. Thank you Tommy and Matt Hampson for your kind support of Nathan.

Some of these contacts were only made possible by the kind help of Suzanne Thompson who was kind enough to email her contacts.

We have also had contact from the Leeds Carnegie coach driver Ronnie to say he has sourced through Danny Care a sign Harlequins shirt. An email from Hamish at the Yorkshire RFU to say he's source a signed England shirt for the event. Then a message from Jason Robinson again to say that there will be some more signed items coming care of the HSBC bank.

I know I speak for Nathan and his family when i say thank you very much to everyone of you for your help.

We have also now got the raffle tickets and if you would like to sell some of these for us please email nathantagrugby@gmail.com these tickets are only a £1 each and look at the prizes you can win!!

Poor Sue has had the hard bit of dealing with ordering the referees kit today and I know its taken it out of her, but thank you Sue I do not think I would have been as calm dealing with all that today.

Still Required for the Event

We urgently need 100 tag rugby belts for the event, can anyone loan us these?

We need entrants for the great Bake Off, which Nathan will be judging, and in Naomi's words we need to fill him up!! Please let us know if you are entering or if you canhelp bake for the cake and buns stall.

Still room for 6 more teams but places are filling fast and we need you registration forms to secure your place!!

Also we still require volunteers to help at the event, even if you can only spare an hour it your time will be greatfully recieved.

For all of the above please either email nathantagrugby@gmail.com or join his face book volunteers page and let us know what you can do by clicking here Nathan Volunteers

An Amazing Family

What an amazing inspirational family Nathan and his family are!!

Not only have they dealt with the injury to Nathan with great dignity and a sense of humour, bit also with a grit and determination that is reflected in Nathans progress.

How many families out there can help a son who suffered an injury like Nathan's, help their daughter buy an house and do all the work that is required in this, encourage their daughter with her university work. Let their youngest son play rugby again, and then that son win most improved player of the season at his rugby club awards? All this while still holding down jobs, fighting with the social services and national health system for what is required and what is the right treatment for Nathan. Then Sue and Naomi still find time to help me with the Tag Rugby event as well!!!!

I am sure that they must have 36 hours in their days some times as not sure you can fit everything they do into 24 hours!!!

With Nathan now home at least they don't have the 2 hours travelling too and from the hospital each day, but then there is the not sleeping because you have one ear open in case he needs something during the night.

Well to all the Cubitt family, I truly hope that the rugby community and the wider community come together on the 26th May and make it a day to remember for each and every one of you. I know we will all do our best and with good luck and a following wind we will have the weather to match Nathan's bright and sunny outlook on life.

If you can help us please join us by emailing me at nathantagrugby@gmail.com and letting me know your availability.

Here is Billy receiving his award for most improved player of the season.

Also a quick one of Nathan both testing the hand stamps for the Tag Rugby but also showing is support for Help for Heroes with his wrist band.

2 Weeks to go

Well its only 2 weeks to go and still lots to do, but on a positive side at least Nathan is now home and from speaking to Sue is enjoying being at home, there will be a further update on Nathan being home tomorrow.

We now have the PA system sorted which is a big weight of our minds, but still need lots of other things, please take a look at the list below.

Registration from 8am - 2 people minimum

Car parking from 8am through until 5pm - Need 2 at all times at ground, 2 at Other car park plus park and ride

Pitch Managers from 8:45am until 5pm -Need at least 12 people

People to man stalls - as many as possible

First aiders - have 4 registered so far

Match controllers - at least 2 at all times

Rubbish collectors - at least 2 to be patrolling at all times

Gazebos - need at least 4 of these

Direction notices for event -

Volunteers to mark pitches out from 8am - as many as possible

Cakes for stalls -

Entrants for the cake bake off -

Marshall's for site - as many as possible

General help on the day

We will need at least 40 volunteers at all times throughout the day so please let me know by emailing nathantagrugby@gmail.com or by registering on the facebook page here Nathan Volunteers .

Also looking for a bouncy castle company to help us on the day if possible.

We should also have the raffle tickets available from later this week, but if you want to donate a prize please email nathantagrugby@gmail.com .

If you want to enter a team, please register as places now filling up and if we don't receive the registration form then we can't save you a place.

Amazing Fundraising at Bradford Salem

The final amount of fund raising from the Bradford Salem v Keighley Veterans game has now been announced and the cheque presented to Nathan on Sunday 6th May.

“It is the largest single amount that Nathan has received and was more than I was expecting,” confessed match organiser Paul Rae.

A massive thank you to all who were involved in the event and everyone who went to the match and supported Nathan.

If you want to help again, please come and join us at Nathan's Tag Rugby event on Saturday 26th May at Keighley Rugby Union Club. We still need teams and volunteers for the event, so please check out the registration page if you fancy playing on the same pitch of Jason Robinson.

Also the latest radio interview re Nathan BBC Radio Leeds only live for 6 days

Referee's Kit Sponsor

A massive thank you today to Sian at Hardcore Personal Training, for agreeing to help us at the last minute and sponsor the rest of the referees kits. Such a kind and generous offer in our hour of need.

Please check out Sian's website http://www.hardcorepersonaltraining.com/

I know when Sue tells Nathan about this today he will be made up.

For those of you who are not aware Nathan will be discharged from hospital today after being in there from 6th November. 186 days in hospital scares me, let alone with the injury and all the hard work Nathan has put in. I am going to pinch the words from Sian's Tweet today that Nathan is 'inspirational'.

Sain has also Tweeted a very good cause -i love how positive he is & everything he's doing! Im running the dublin marathon for @CubittNathan' . Please be sure to follow her online and sponsor her for her run in Dublin.

Volunteers update

Following last nights meeting of volunteers, we now have a clearer understanding of what is required for the event on Saturday 26th May.

If you can help in any way please either email nathantagrugby@gmail.com or join the facebook group by clicking here Nathan Volunteers, and posting on the wall what your available to do.

We need people to help with the following:

• Registration from 8am - 2 people minimum
• Car parking from 8am through until 5pm - Need 2 at all times at ground, 2 at Other car park plus park and ride
• Pitch Managers from 8:45am until 5pm -Need at least 12 people
• People to man stalls - as many as possible
• First aiders - have 4 registered so far
• Match controllers - at least 2 at all times
• Rubbish collectors - at least 2 to be patrolling at all times
• Gazebos - need at least 4 of these
• Direction notices for event -
• Volunteers to mark pitches out from 8am - as many as possible
• Cakes for stalls -
• Entrants for the cake bake off -
• Marshall's for site - as many as possible
• General help on the day
• PA system - can anyone help with this?

We need enough volunteers to enable us to rotate people and allow you to watch the games and enjoy the day too!!

We are also going to run a Tug of War during the day so come and join us for this.

Capital boost for Nathan Tag event

SUPPORT for Nathan’s Trust continues to arrive from a range of sources, the most recent being an offer from Try Tag Rugby, who run adult tag rugby competitions across London and Reading, with over 160 teams lined up for this summer’s programme.

Their kind offer focuses on entry into their London Tag Rugby Championships on August 18, 2012, which represents the cream of the tag rugby crop and consists of a Champions League section and a Social Competition, in which teams from across London, the UK and Ireland will battle it out for the title of social grade champions.

The cost of entry for a team will be £160, games will be 7 aside and squads of 10-12 are suggested. To lend their support to Nathan and to help raise money for the Trust Fund, Try Tag Rugby are offering an invitation to the finalists of the Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Festival on the 26th May to take part in the London event, with the fee being donated to Nathan’s Trust Fund.

Some places are still available for the Keighley event on May 26, but if you are going to join in check out the registration page before the ‘house full’ signs are posted.

For more info on the London event, go to www.trytagrugby.com.

Support for Nathan from all levels

VICTORY at Alnwick brought a double boost for the club in the shape of promotion and a spontaneous donation of £200 to the Nathan Cubitt Trust Fund.

That amount is part of a total of approximately £3,486.02 that has been received from clubs and events since the total was last posted, contributions that take us well past the £20,000 mark.

Recent donations underline the breadth of support and goodwill that has been extended to Nathan, with Leeds Carnegie sending £1,250 from their game against Bedford, Mosborough – a Level 10, Yorkshire Four club from South Yorkshire – donating a magnificent £850, closely followed by West Park Leeds Juniors with another terrific £501.2.

Skipton’s support continues with a £100 from a raffle, a Waxing Night generating an eye-watering £510 and other donations coming from Spartans RFC and Bishopston RFC.  

3 Weeks to go

3 Weeks To Go!


Well there is only 3 weeks to go to the Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Event, and if the support on the day is anything like the support we are receiving already this will be a great day out for the teams, and we are hoping lots of supporters.


We have had some amazing gifts this week for our raffle, including a signed centenary style England shirt and thanks to those kind people at St Helens (yes Rugby League) for a Johnny Lomax shirt, that he has actually worn in a match! There's not many of either of these around for people to win. Sue is sorting the raffle tickets out and they will be on sale very soon.


We still have 10 places left for the event after a few of teams have had to pull out of the event, please take a look at our registration page and join us. I mean how often do you get the chance to play on the same pitch as the legend that is Jason Robinson? We welcome teams from Union clubs and League clubs, as well as companies and groups of friends. The day is about all egg chasers and supporters of Nathan coming together for a fantastic day, but with a great offer too for the winners to go to London to take part in a National Tag Rugby Event!!!!!


For those who are not aware, Nathan is spending the full weekend at home this weekend for the first time. I spoke with him yesterday and he was full of his normal bubbliness that rubs off on everyone who meets him. The next milestone for Nathan is on Thursday 10th May when he will be coming home for good, which will be great achievement, as the date kept being moved due to his progress being beyond what the care team thought he could do. He has surprised even his surgeon at LGI with what he can do. Just wonder whether the stress balls and Nerf guns have helped here Nathan, the chance to get into mischief always seems to drive you on fella, and keep it up!!!

I am sure that Nathan would also want us to post a big well done to Keighley Rugby Union Clubs 1st Team on their promotion last week, to go away and win in such a tight game is a great achievement. Now lets see if they are going to enter the Tag Rugby and win that too!!! Or maybe the director of rugby Mr Sheffield will pull his boots on and show them how its done (been a long time since we played together at Silsden, but I'm sure he can still manage a 7 minute half).


Don't forget if you want to help at the event as a volunteer there is a meeting at Keighley Rugby Club on Tuesday 8th at 7pm this is open to all volunteers and is to get you assigned to roles on the day. Please view the details on the facebook event page here Nathan Volunteers

Winners invited to London

Try Tag Rugby (www.trytagrugby.com) run Adult Tag Rugby competitions across London and Reading, with over 160 teams set to be taking part in our evening competitions each week this Summer. 

The Team at Try Tag Rugby have read with sadness about Nathan's injury whilst playing Rugby for Keighley but have also read in great admiration about the strength and determination being shown by Nathan to overcome the injury plus the efforts of his friends and family in trying to raise money for his Trust Fund.  

On the 18th August Try Tag Rugby will be hosting the 1 day London Tag Rugby Championships (Venue TBC). 32+ teams are expected to take part in the competition which will consist of two competitions:

• Champions League - An invitation only league, open only to those teams who have appeared in one of the 2012 Try Tag Rugby A grade Garnd Finals or equivalent.
• Social Competition - Team from across London, the UK and Ireland will battle it out for the title of social grade champions. open to all social standard team.

The cost of entry for a team will be £160, games will be 7 aside and squads of 10-12 are suggested.  To lend our support to Nathan and to help raise money for his Trust Fund, Try Tag Rugby would like to offer the following:

• An invitation to the finalists of the Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Festival on the 26th May to take part in the London Tag Rugby Championships Champions League.
• An open invitation to all teams taking part in the Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Festival to enter the Social Competition at the London Tag Rugby Championships.
• For any team entering the London Tag Rugby Championship that has taken part in the Nathan Cubitt Tag Rugby Festival we would like to donate 100% of the entry fee to the Nathan Cubitt Trust Fund. 

I will also have a chat to my colleagues about the possibility of donating a prize for the raffle.  We would have loved to have brought a team up to your competition, but unfortunately we have two events already on the weekend of the 26th so won't be able to make it. 

Best wishes to Nathan and please let me know if you are interested or would like any further information regarding the above. 

What a great offer not just to the winners but also to any team that want to join them in London.


We still have those final 10 places left so please if your going to join us check out the registration page quick.

For Volunteers

We have a meeting planned on Tuesday 8th May at Keighley Rugby Union Club, starting at 7:30pm.

This is for anyone wanting to volunteer or that may be able to help us with the planning of the event and how it will run on the day.

Even if you can only spare us an hour of your time on Saturday 26th may for the event, we would welcome you with open arms. The aim is to make this a successful event for Nathan, but also a fun day for everyone who attends. Without volunteers we would not be able to stage the event!

If you have 6 friends why not enter a team instead though, £5 each isn't much for a day's rugby and meeting the great Jason Robinson!!

Also take a look at the raffle prizes kind individuals and companies have given us.

See you Tuesday if you can make it, if not I hope to see you and your friends and family at the event on 26th May!!