FRIENDS and family of Jim Garside held a special rugby match in his honour to raise money for the Great Western Air Ambulance.

Jim, a well-known and respected figure in the Westbury farming community, was origianlly from Yorkshire and a huge rugby fan, both league and union.

His daughter, Liz Handley, said they “lost the glue to our family” when he died on March 16 last year.

Because of Covid restrictions, they were unable to give him the funeral they wanted.

With restrictions loosened, it was decided to have a memorial rugby match with one half according to Union rules and one half by League rules.

Family members include Lewis Handley, Niall Freeman and Corey Freeman have all played for local clubs and were supported by Jim.

Liz said: “Dad was very much part of the community so we wanted to hold the game at Westbury.

“We lost the ability to celebrate him as only six of us could go to the funeral and as a family this was a way we could celebrate together.

“The day we lost dad the Great Western Air Ambulance was absolutely amazing.

“The rapid response came first thing and they called the air ambulance.They did everything possible, they supported my mum, myself, my brother and sister in the house.

“It’s been an emotional trek but its nice to see everyone pull together.”

The community has rallied around the fund-raising effort with Westbury-on-Severn RFC allowing the use of their pitch free-of-charge.

Insurance company NFU Mutual have donated £3,800 and there is also £250 pledged on a GoFundMePage.

Jim’s home-town rugby league club, Huddersfield Giants, have also been very supportive and have given raffle prizes.

Liz said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event.”

To add support, visit www.gofundme.com and search Jim Garside Memorial Match.