Tom’s friends do his parents proud (From St Helens Star)

Tom’s friends do his parents proud

8:00am Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Stephen Mather, Senior reporter

WHEN Tom Langley died from a brain tumour at the age of 21, many of his friends were left trying to come to terms with how his life had cruelly been cut short.

Eleven months later, as they move on with their own lives to face the challenges of adulthood, they wanted to show he is not forgotten and that they will fight to raise awareness of the disease that killed him.

They did so by setting up a charity rugby game, which ex-pupils from the St Cuthbert’s school that Tom attended taking on a Thatto Heath side.

Their efforts raised an impressive £1,200, which will go towards brain tumour research.

The game, won by St Cuthbert’s, follows another feat of fundraising prowess, which saw Tom’s friends Ian Marron and Matty Mitchell raised more than £1,300 in a triathlon.

Tom’s parents Sharon, 48, and Colin, 50, who played in the game, have paid tribute to Tom’s friends’ unwavering support and kindness.

Sharon, from Saffron Gardens, Parr, told the Star: “There are so many great young people who have gone to great lengths to support such a needy cause and we want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

“It means so much to us.

“The day was brilliant. That bunch of 20-year-old lads came together really well. We are so grateful to them all for everything they did and what they have been doing. I could burst with pride. This wasn’t about our Tom; it was about all his friends.”

Sharon and Colin thanked all those who attended the event, Tom’s friends for their support and Thatto Heath Amateur Rugby League Club for the use of the facilities.

They also thanked James Welding, who works at Matalan and raised £300 by dressing as Scooby Doo, Dave Sutton, who organised the game and the break-dancers who kept people entertained on the day.

Sharon added: “It shows how many young people can be recognised for the good hearts they have.”