Just before last Christmas, 44-year-old John Blower’s life changed dramatically. Playing rugby at the Warrington Sports Club in the front row of the Northwich RUFC 1st XV against local rivals Warrington RUFC, John broke his neck and became a tetraplegic.

Now, knowing that “John always gave 110% to everyone”, preparations are well advanced  for staging the John Blower Trust May Bank Holiday weekend at Winnington Park to help him. The weekend will start before the Cheshire County Championship game with Durham with a pre-match lunch and a guest speaker in a marquee. The next day sees a 10s senior competition, sponsored by Eric Johnson of Northwich, for the John Blower Trophy with 16 teams from across Cheshire and Lancashire participating and a live band playing in the evening.

John is married to Julie, with a 20-year-old daughter, Natalie, and two teenage sons, Christopher who is 17 and Paul who is 14. Both boys play rugby within the Northwich junior section of which John is a qualified rugby coach.

Said John on hearing of the fundraising underway to help him and his family, “When I was told what the rugby community of Northwich are doing for me it made me feel humble, I cannot thank my rugby colleagues enough.”

Businesses have already pledged support, Ian Johnson, MD of Eric Johnson of Northwich, has agreed to sponsor the rugby tournament and said, “As soon as I heard that the two rugby clubs in Northwich were coming together to help John, I wanted my company to be fully involved in this worthwhile venture.”

If you or your business are interested helping with donations or equipment to assist in the staging of the events, please email johnblowertrust@hotmail.com.