THE family of a much-loved rugby player, who died earlier this year after contracting Covid-19, have been fundraising for charity in his memory.

James Brian Gill played rugby union for Halton RUFC before joining Widnes RUFC in the 1990s, where he represented the first and second teams.

He went on to become the driving force behind the revival of the veterans team and also played rugby league for Widnes St Marie’s RLFC.

Brian was treated in Whiston Hospital’s intensive care unit after testing positive for coronavirus where he sadly passed in February.

Former captain Andy O’Neill launched a fundraising appeal in Brian’s honour, which featured a campaign encouraging friends and family to take pictures of themselves running, walking or cycling 5km, as Covid-19 restrictions prevented them having a proper gathering after the funeral.

Martin Griffiths, club president of Widnes RUFC, said: “Losing Brian was a big shock to everyone as he was such a popular guy in Widnes.

“The family was keen to get a positive result out of such a sad situation but we’ve been absolutely bowled over with the response to the fundraising.

“It’s also helped to bring the rugby league and rugby union communities together, which is nice to see.”

Proceeds from the appeal are being split between the intensive care unit at Whiston Hospital, where Brian was born and where he was treated, and Community Rugby in Widnes.

Brian’s son Michael said: “Donating to the ICU was an obvious choice to us.

“Even though we couldn’t be with dad, we knew the staff were doing everything they could to look after him and they made sure to stay in contact with my mum so she knew what was going on each day.

“The staff were truly amazing.”

Brian’s son Chris said the family wanted the money to benefit other patients and the next generation of rugby players.

Claire Simmo, Whiston and St Helens Hospitals charity community fundraiser, said: “On behalf of all the staff in our intensive care unit, I would like to say a huge thank you to Brian’s family for thinking of us during this very difficult time.

“This donation will make a massive difference to future patients in our unit.”

After retiring from rugby, Brian continued to play an active role in both rugby union and rugby league and he became a keen golfer, organising the Widnes RUFC golf day last August.