AN exciting day of rugby is promised in March when The Royal Navy sends two teams to Skipton for a special fundraising event for Luke Mortimer.

The rugby day at Skipton RFC on Saturday, March 23 will see Skipton Roses take on The Royal Navy Ladies, followed by junior girls and boys matches; and to finish off, there will be a ThisIsLuke 15 versus HMS Queen Elizabeth.

It is the second time the Royal Navy has taken part in a fundraising rugby day for Luke, 11, of Embsay, who after falling ill with meningitis in 2019 lost both lower legs through his knee joints and both lower arms his left mid forearm his right just past his elbow.

Luke's dad, Adam Mortimer, said: "For the men this would have been a rematch of a game that was held on February 29 2020, due to Covid and the Royal Navy operations it has taken a while to sort out the rematch, Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the HMS Prince of Wales had to withdraw, however HMS Queen Elizabeth have stepped in to fulfil the commitment."

To finish the day off in style a black tie dinner, auction and dance will be held at Skipton's Hotel Rendezvous with antiques expert and television personality Phil Serrell will be guest auctioneer.

Adam added back in February, 2020, the game was played on a day where the Yorkshire weather also wanted to be involved with rain, hail and snow hampering the warm-up for both teams, during the match the winter sun made an appearance, allowing for free flowing rugby to be played.

"The Prince of Wales got off to a better start putting on 14 unanswered points, The ThisIsLuke 15, reorganised and got themselves back in the match, making the scores at halftime: ThisIsLuke 12 - Prince Of Wales 19.

"The second half was a much tighter affair, both sides displaying impressive free flowing attacking and defensive rugby. With a minute left on the clock and the score at 19 - 24 in favour of the Navy team, the ThisIsLuke team scored in the corner, with the last kick of the match The ThisIsLuke team could have snatched the victory, the kick went wide and a fitting 24 all draw was the outcome. The spirit of rugby being the ultimate and fitting winner on the day."

Tickets for the rugby day and black tie event are available from: Black tie https://square.link/u/9mwmd2sR Match tickets https://square.link/u/Mqp04gAU;  or contact adam on ajm610a@gmail.com