£2,000 appeal target smashed days after sudden death of rugby league player in Leeds

AN ONLINE fundraising appeal in memory of tragic rugby league player and coach Dave ‘Batch’ Batchelor from Leeds has smashed the £2,000 target just days of being launched.
By Mark Lavery
Published 27th Nov 2015, 08:01 BST
Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)
Dave Batchelor with sons Brandon (left) and Jordan (right)

Mr Batchelor, 43, of Farsley, collapsed and died on Sunday afternoon minutes after playing in a veteran’s game for players aged over 35 at Oulton Raiders ground next to Rothwell Sports Centre.

Leeds Masters player Mr Batchelor leaves rugby league playing sons Jordan Anderson, 20, and Brandon Batchelor, 16.

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Mr Batchelor, of Farsley, had played for Stanningley RL Club for many years and coached the Under 15’s team.

Stanningley Under 15’s manager Mark Gordon, of Pudsey, set up a Just Giving online fundraising page on Monday to raise cash for Mr Batchelor’s sons.

He set a £2,000 target, which has already been smashed with more than £2,400 from 94 pledges to date.

Mr Gordon said the page will be online for a total of 30 days, adding: “I’m hoping more will be raised. I will be reminding everybody that they can still give.

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“There has been a fanastic response. So many people have said what a great guy he was and donated as much as they can.”

Mr Gordon said a fundraising matches Stanningley are being proposed. He added: “I still can’t believe it has happened. The guy was so fit, it’s unbelievable.”

Lucy Gordon wrote on Just Giving after making a pledge: “Such a lovely, caring bloke! Heart of gold and will be missed by many.” Richard Morris wrote: “Respects from all at Blackpool Masters. R.I.P. Batch, a True Gentleman and Master.”

Go to https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/batch

Related topics:LeedsOulton Raiders