Ex-pros help rebuild Thatto Heath rugby club after heartbreaking 'arson attack'

Retired Super League players Adrian Morley, Mark Flanagan, Bennie Westwood, and Jason Roach participated in Thatto Heath Crusaders' Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, October 1.

The fundraiser was organised to help rebuild the club after its training barn was burned down in a suspected arson attack.

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Ex pros and former Thatto Heath players got involved in the 'Legends' game (Image: Thatto Heath Crusaders)

For the second time in almost three years, the barn suffered "considerable damage" due to the flames and is believed to cost upwards of £100,000 to repair.

As well as the cost of rebuilding the facility, the incident has caused a considerable loss of earnings as the Crusaders cannot hire it out to other sports clubs or organisations.

The damage is believed to cost upwards of £100k to repair (Image: Thatto Heath Crusaders)

To help the club bounce back, Morley, Flanagan, Westwood, and Roach lined up against former Thatto players in a Legends game on Saturday afternoon.

The game is said to have delivered a great crowd at the Close Street premises, which had all-day entertainment on for guests.

Ran entirely by volunteers, this also involved live music, a Northern Games fitness competition, kids activities, as well as raffles and games.

The fundraiser had entertainment on for people of all ages (Image: Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Mike Denning, chairman at Thatto Heath Crusaders, said: "The fundraiser was a great success and it was a great community day.

"The Legends game went down really well, but it wasn't just about rugby. There was something for everyone to get involved in and everyone was there to celebrate what's good in the community and help to support the club."

After two incidents of suspected arson, the club are concerned that an attack could happen again and that their insurance will not cover them moving forward.

However, this will not stop the club from rebuilding, and the community of Thatto Heath has rallied around the club to show their support.

The fundraiser is said to have brought the community together (Image: Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Mike added: "I was very downhearted when the fire happened because it was the second time in almost three years.

"I can't fathom the mentality of those involved in doing this and you start to wonder what we do all this for.

"But the local community has really rallied around us and it was great to see so many people turn out at the fundraiser to show their support."

"I know it's a difficult time for everyone at the moment and people need to watch their pennies, but the support and donations we have received is immeasurable we are so grateful for that." 

Officers at Merseyside Police investigated the suspected arson attack and have since passed the case on to the Youth Offending Team.

There will also be future events to raise money for the club in the coming weeks including sponsored walks and charity bike rides.

To continue raising money for the rebuilding of the club, you can donate here.