Henley Rugby Club has announced it will this year support the Huntington’s Disease Association as its charity of the year.
Following a vote by the committee, the charity was chosen to support member, Dave Hancock, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2023. Dave has been a member of the club for over 30 years, as a juniors coach, match commentator, member of the Friday Club and loyal supporter. Two of his sons played for the club from the age of 7, with one going on to be a Hawks team player during his gap year.
Huntington’s Disease is a degenerative neurological condition which affects the body’s nervous system, causing loss of coordinated movement and affecting speech and mental capacity. There is a 50% chance of inheriting the disease, which has a huge impact on families affected. The charity provides support to those with the condition, and families affected by it, as well as funding research into treatments and a potential cure.
Ben Hancock, one of Dave’s sons who is driving the fundraising, said: “We are so grateful that the rugby club has chosen to support this cause, which is so close to the whole family. We want to raise as much as we can to help fund the research that is needed to help find a way to cure this disease and support all those who are affected by it. It is a relatively rare condition, so this will also be a great way to raise awareness of what it is and the help that is available. If you would like to support us in any way, we would love to hear from you – we will be looking for auction prizes, match sponsorship and ways to engage everyone in fundraising throughout the year.”
Chris Nixon, Henley RFC Chairman said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Huntington’s Disease Association as our Charity Partner for the upcoming 2026/27 season. There are many people at the club who know Dave Hancock and are aware of what he has to contend with, but he does so with incredible bravery and always with a smile on his face. We want to support this charity to raise both awareness and vital funds to help those living with Huntington’s”.
The official start of the year of fundraising will begin at the first match of the season on 12 September when the Henley Hawks play London Welsh at Dry Leas rugby ground in Henley. There will also be special charity days on Saturday 17 October for the Hawks v Old Albanians match, and on Saturday 12 December for the Hawks v Barnes match. There will be an auction at the pre-match lunches and a collection taking place during these matches, as well as other fundraising throughout the day.
Events will then take place during the year, at various matches, to help raise as much as possible. Donations can also be made by speaking to Alistair Beynon, Commercial and Marketing Director, at marketing@henleyhawks.co.uk or call 07769 715541.
You can also visit the JustGiving page set up at https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-hancock-hrfcfundraiser?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
If you want to know more contact Henley Rugby Club at marketing@henleyhawks.co.uk or call 01491 574499. If you would like to help in any way contact Ben Hancock at benjhancock22@gmail.com or 07792 242946.
