VOLUNTEER helpers are the very lifeblood of all sports clubs and, without them, the vast majority of them would cease to exist.

Many people support the clubs that their children are involved with and, as they grow up, a lot of them drift away and pursue other interests.

Not so Chris Purdy and her husband John at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club, whose son started to play in the 1990s. 

However when he got older and drifted away, Chris and John remained involved with the club and over the years have raised many thousands of pounds towards club funds with their match day raffle. 

Unfortunately John, who is a larger than life character and greeted everybody as they passed the clubhouse entrance, has had to give up going along to matches, but Chris, assisted by Sheila Horswell and Sue Hall, has continued raising much-needed funds for the club.

When Bridgy play their final home league game of the season against Wellington on Saturday, March 11, Chris and her band of helpers will be at the entrance selling their tickets, and at half-time the winners will be announced and will go along to collect their prize from Sheila!

Some things never change and, hopefully, Chris, Shelia and Sue will continue to volunteer their services and raise money to help Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club for many years to come.

So when you next go along to College Way to watch Bridgy play don’t forget to say a special thank you to Chris, Sheila and Sue for all of the help they have given to the club, through thick and thin - and, of course, buy a ticket!