A RUGBY club chairman has come out fighting after finishing chemotherapy, organising a charity match.

Wayne Thomas, 52, was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal and liver cancer but said he was “blown away” by the support from the community.

As chairman of Newick Rugby Club, Wayne has organised a charity match following four months of chemotherapy.

“When you hear the fateful words ‘you have cancer’ you immediately think, ‘why me?’,” said Wayne.

“But actually cancer touches us all in some way.

“I am now through the chemotherapy and felt it was right to celebrate as well as raise money for a brilliant charity.

“What better way to do that than to bring the local community together for a friendly game of rugby?”

The match will feature Newick players past and present, then a hog roast and auction will take place after, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Wayne added: “I have been blown away by the support so far, particularly from our sponsors, but also the Newick community.”

Louise Wardle, fundraising manager at the charity, said: “The support from Newick RFC is fantastic and will make a real difference.”

The match kicks off at 1:30pm on Saturday 6 April at the King George V Playing Fields on Allington Road.