Wharfedale rugby players wear pink socks to support cancer campaign

The first XV will face their opponents from Cinderford wearing vibrant pink socks.

They are backing a campaign to support a member of the minis section, who is undergoing treatment for a rare form of liver cancer

Ten-year-old Tom Slater, a pupil of Threshfield Primary School and a key member of the Under 10s team, was diagnosed on December 18.

His symptoms had manifested themselves as pneumonia, with extreme breathlessness, lethargy and torso pains, and masked the true cause of his illness - a large tumour which was attached to his liver.

Tom’s dad, Chris, said: “At first we put his shoulder and rib pain down to a rugby injury, but it transpired that these pains and the breathlessness were being caused by the pressure the tumour was exerting on Tom’s lungs and rib cage.”

Tom has already undergone four rounds of chemotherapy within the Candlelighters ward at Leeds General Infirmary, and just last week he had an operation to remove the tumour. The operation went well, which means that just two further rounds of chemotherapy should complete his treatment.

“All the staff within the Candlelighters ward have been absolutely amazing. The support and the ‘home away from home’ environment that they create for the children on the ward is just breathtaking," said Chris.

“The brilliant facilities and medical and support staff is only made possible by the donations they receive, which is why we and Tom especially, have been delighted that the club has decided to run the ‘pink sock’ campaign to raise money and support Tom during his treatment.”

The club has sold 100 pairs of pink socks that were donated to the club by Corporate Leisure Wear, Keighley and further socks, in all sizes, can be purchased from the club for £5 a pair.

Socks will also be on sale during Saturday's match - which kicks off at 2pm - and there will also be a charity raffle and collection.

For further information about Candlelighters, visit candlelighters.org.uk