England are to take on a Cumbria representative team in October to raise funds for the family of the late Garry Purdham.
England to take on Cumbria side in memory of former player
England are to take on a Cumbria representative team to raise funds for the family of the late Garry Purdham.
The 31-year-old former Whitehaven, Workington and Egremont player - brother of Harlequins RL captain Rob - was one of 12 people killed by gunman Derrick Bird in Cumbria earlier this month, leaving a widow Ros and two young sons, Flynn and Cameron.
The Rugby Football League will raise money for the family in the commemorative match at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground on Sunday, October 3.
The game - which is taking place the day after the Engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford - will see Steve McNamara's side play a select team of professional and amateur players from the county.
As well as raising funds, the game will also provide useful match practice for players not involved in the Grand Final as the 24-man England squad will fly out to Auckland three days later for the 2010 Four Nations series in Australia and New Zealand.
RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "The events of a fortnight ago were a tragedy of incomprehensible proportions which afflicted a region where rugby league is an intrinsic part of the community.
Right thing
"Few of us can imagine what the Purdham family have gone through since they lost Garry but everyone within rugby league wants to do the right thing by them and this game will achieve just that.
"As soon as the idea was suggested to Steve McNamara, he was all for it. I am sure his reaction is going to be reflected in massive interest in this game, both in Cumbria and across the country."
McNamara added: "All the Super League players knew of Garry from playing with or against his brother Rob, the Harlequins RL captain, and I'm sure they will want to put on a good show on October 3.
"As well as helping raise a lot of money for the family, the match will be a useful exercise in our preparations for the Four Nations.
"Hopefully as many people as possible will get behind this match. I can't think of a more worthy cause."
