The total raised on the night was £2,623, which will go towards equipment required by those suffering with the disease and provide the insurance and running costs for the much needed Multiple Sclerosis minibus for a full year.

Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS. It's normally diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and affects almost twice as many women than men. Although many do not know that they have the disease for many years. Children can also be diagnosed. Unfortunately no one knows the exact cause of MS, but a mixture of genetic and environmental factors play a role and furthermore there is no known cure. The life expectancy of people with MS is 5 to 10 years lower than that of the unaffected population. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the symptoms. Symptoms might include fatigue, vision problems and difficulties with walking, but MS is different for everyone. A person with MS can suffer almost any neurological symptom or sign, including changes in sensation such as loss of sensitivity or tingling, pricking or numbness, muscle weakness, muscle spasms or difficulty in moving.

The guest speaker on the night was Scott Quinnell, a former Welsh Rugby & British Lions international, whilst Roland Hailwood, the Clitheroe Town Crier did a fantastic job as the evening's MC. The evening, expertly organised by club committee member Andy Moorby, was enjoyed by nearly 200 people, many of whom were past and present players and members of Clitheroe Rugby Club. Andy explained after the event, "although it's such hard work to ensure everyone gets to the event in the first place, it's extremely gratifying to see how much everyone enjoyed themselves and furthermore, how the rugby club and it's members can support local charities in this way."

After enjoying a sumptuous 3 course meal, a Raffle & Charity Auction was held. Clitheroe Rugby Club would like to thank all the businesses in and out of Clitheroe who donated prizes as it really added a great deal to ensuring the evening was a success for everyone. Special thanks must go to Barclays Bank who donated £750 from their Charity pound for pound scheme.

For more information on Multiple Sclerosis or if you'd like to find out how you can help then please refer to the website www.mssociety.org.uk. If you're interested in finding out more about your local rugby club or if you're tempted to dig out your boots then visit www.clitheroerugby.com or call Bob on 07962 099935. We have junior and senior sides playing through until April and are planning a summer touch series for all.