Rugby clash to help our heroes

STAR turn... Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher will play in the match

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

STARS of Royton Tigers Rugby League Club will reunite for a day — to face Waterhead in an epic charity clash.

It’s all in aid of injured servicemen’s charity Help for Heroes... and a real-life RAF hero from Royton will be there to take part in the big game.

Ashley Bostock, a 25-year-old trooper with the RAF Regiment, was part of the last squadron to serve in war-torn Iraq in 2009. Now, after returning from a fraught four-month stint in Afghanistan, he has teamed up with dad Peter, a former coach of the Tigers, to help put on the fundraising day on Sunday, May 1.

Ashley said: “Afghanistan was totally different to Iraq — it was pretty scary at times but we worked together and all came back safely which was great.

“A couple of years ago I lost someone I knew when he was blown up by a roadside bomb. It really does hit home and it’s so great that we can help raise cash for Help for Heroes — some of my friends from the regiment are coming over on the day.”

The event will be a star-studded affair as Oldham-born Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher will take to the pitch and show his strength for the Royton team.

Ashley played for the Tigers as a youngster, the club that spawned several professional players but eventually folded.

The fundraiser is the brainchild of Ashley’s dad Peter, who has arranged for a day of fun including live bands, raffles, climbing walls and games to accompany the match at Waterhead Rugby Club.

“It means the world to me,” said Peter.

Ashley added: “The whole thing was dad’s idea, he said he was so proud of me but he wanted to do his bit.”

Entry to the game, which kicks-off at noon, is free, but donations welcome.