Donations have flooded in to a charity set up in memory of a 24-year-old Silsden rugby player.

The Chris Brown Trust was launched in February to help people suffering during difficult times in their lives.

The trust is in memory of Chris Brown, from Cornwall Avenue in Silsden, who died last September, 11 days after suffering a brain haemorrhage while playing rugby for Silsden Park Rangers.

On May 29, two of his friends, Claire Farrington and Donna Leeming, completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk in a little over 12 hours.

Chris’s mother, Linda, said they raised £1,000 for the trust – and collected six blisters along the way!

“The following day Chris’s friends organised a bucket collection around Silsden,” said Linda. “And in the evening the Robin Hood pub hosted a waxing event. Jodie Ellis, from Calm within Kaos, donated her expertise for free. Micky Woodrup got his legs waxed and Shaun Vickers got his chest waxed.

“The total raised in the bucket collection was £700. The boys are now busy collecting their sponsorship money, which totals £400.

“A café in Silsden called Bilaluci has approached us saying they would like to hold a Browny’s Charity Dinner. This will be held on August 20, with two sittings arranged for 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Some of Chris’s favourite dishes will be on the menu. A raffle will take place and the top prize is a week’s accommodation in Turkey, donated by Bilaluci.

“The owners and staff will donate their time for free and are trying to source local donated ingredients to make sure all proceeds from the evening go to the trust.”

In addition, The Browny Cup fundraiser takes place next Saturday, July 10, at Silsden Sports Club, in Keighley Road. The family fun day and five-a-side contest will run from 10am to 4pm and entry by programme is £3.

For details, contact 07891 679712 or email brownycup@hotmail.co.uk