Little Yellow Digger Appeal
June 18th 2008

Gavin Cattle, the Cornish Pirates popular and successful Captain in 2006-07, and the man who hoisted the EDF Energy National Trophy when the Pirates beat Exeter in the final played at Twickenham, has been in Cornwall this week, taking a break ahead of starting his second season with Llanelli Scarlets.

Visiting the Cornish Pirates training base at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, Gavin took the opportunity to officially present the shirt he had worn in the final to supporter and 'Press Gang' member Neil Francis.

Neil (Swampy) with the shirt, shares a joke with Gavin - Once 'A Pirate Always A Pirate'

Gavin had willingly put up the shirt for auction, which had been signed by members of the team, so that proceeds raised could go to towards 'The Little Yellow Digger Appeal', which is a charity that has been set up to help young Rhys Mott, who is a godson of Gavin's.

Neil was delighted to have been the highest bidder, and was especially pleased to see his money go towards such a worthy cause, it following on from a 'Press Gang' raffle held last year when the shirt worn by Tim Cowley was similarly donated to help the appeal, as was Stan McKeen's signed World Cup qualifying Canada shirt.

Monies raised have helped improve the quality of life for Rhys, who has a brain tumour and has undergone chemotherapy. He will continue treatment until he is old enough for surgery, with Gavin confirming that the sum of £10,000 has been raised these past couple of years in a variety of ways, with sincere thanks expressed to Cornish Pirates supporters and others who have helped raise this magnificent amount.