John flying the flag for Roughyeds

PULLING POWER: Wheelchair-bound John Power is taking part in the Carnegie Rowing Challenge in Leeds.

FORMER Oldham RL player John Power will be representing the club when he sets himself the toughest task of his life in the Carnegie Rowing Challenge in Leeds tomorrow.

Playing for Oldham ‘A’ at Dewsbury in 1995, when he was 18, John suffered a severe spinal cord injury which has left him wheelchair bound.

“The RFL Benevolent Fund has helped me in many ways,” he said, “And now it is time for me to give them something back. I’m hoping to raise £1,000 in sponsorship by competing in the Rowing Challenge.

“I hope people will support me as this is far the hardest thing I have ever done and the training for it is proving intense.

“It’s an indoor event, but if it isn’t too hot I will be proud to wear my Roughyeds jersey because I have been a fan all my life and, given the opportunity, I would like to fly the flag for the club.”

Oldham have also entered a team, made up of five young players from the reserves — Alistair Williams, Michael Ward, Ben Marsden, Austen Barrowclough and Mark Kellett.

Many other rugby league fund-raisers will be challenging themselves alongside John, including Paul Sculthorpe, Kris Radlinski, and a team of rugby league writers.

Donations to John’s spirited and courageous fund-raising effort on behalf of the RFL Benevolent Fund can be made by logging on to www.justgiving.com/John-Power1