NEWTOWN Rugby Club hosted a successful fundraising day for the Rhys Jones Bucket List on Sunday.

The Recreation Ground staged a charity match between home club legends and stars of Mid Wales rugby with more than 50 players from across the region taking part, including Aberystwyth, Llanidloes and Rhayader.

The Charity Veterans led before Rhys’ dad Gareth side stepped his way to the try line to the delight of the home crowd.

A second try clinched victory for the hosts.

Even spokesman Gideon Berends said: “The lads all loved the day and seeing Rhys’s smiley face ride through the tunnel was amazing.

“It wasn’t about the rugby though, the bank was packed with people, so was the sideline, people came to support an amazing cause.

“Gareth, Shelley, Warren, myself and many others who helped out the day were overwhelmed by the support.”

Following the rugby the fun continued with live music from Black Market before an auction helped raise funds with the generosity exceeding everyone’s expectations.

The evening ended with entertainment provided by Built4comfort with Rhys taking to the dancefloor and “performing donuts” said Gideon.

Gideon added: “The support we received on the day was truly humbling.

“The stress and extra grey hairs have all been worth it.

“There was plenty of happy tears, it was an amazing evening and just goes to show what happens when a community pull together.”

The fundraising is far from over with Gideon and Warren Sherwood taking on a 200 mile kayaking mission on the River Severn on Saturday morning.

Gideon added: “We encourage people to join us on our walk to the source of the Severn then bike to Newtown.

“It will be 9am at Hafren Forest before we embark on the other 200 mile journey down the River Severn.