BULLS TO HONOUR BABY RYCROFT

Bradford Bulls will use their game against Barrow Raiders at Odsal Stadium on Monday 31st July 2023 to honour a fifth-generation fan who tragically passed away aged just 16 months in June.

Rycroft Alport Foster died at Great Ormond Street Hospital from complications from a bone marrow transplant, necessitated by a rare genetic condition called Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS).    

Rycroft’s father, Andrew Foster, is a lifelong fan of Bradford Bulls. Rycroft was named after his great-grandfather Donald Rycroft Foster, who was in attendance when Bradford Northern shocked the touring Australian Kangaroos 7-5 in 1933.   

Fans will pay tribute to Rycroft in the 16^th minute, applauding and singing in his honour. They are also encouraged to wear purple, yellow and green - the colours which Rycroft's grandma Susan used to knit him a Bradford cardigan, which was his favourite and last item of clothing.   

Bradford Bulls will also host a link to the JustGiving page set up in Rycroft’s memory, allowing fans to help support Great Ormond Street Hospital, Colchester Children’s Ward and SDS UK. 

Bradford Bulls’ General Manager Tracey Erby said:

“Along with the rest of the Rugby League community, we were deeply saddened to learn of Rycroft’s tragic passing last month. We will be holding a Bucket Collection, as well as a number of other tributes at our game against Barrow on Monday to show our support to Rycroft’s family, and raise vital funds for the three hospitals/charities who cared for Rycroft. We would kindly ask our fans to support where they can on the day. The club sends its condolences to Rycroft’s nearest and dearest at this difficult time.

Andrew commented "I am deeply grateful to everyone at Bradford Bulls for their kindness and consideration of a little boy who never got the chance to come to Odsal. This was his club and it is a huge consolation to the family that he will recognised in this way."   

"We want to use the opportunity to raise awareness of the need for more bone marrow donors, and raise funds for the charities that we have chosen in order to help children in the future like Rycroft recover and go home, happy and healthy.”  

If you would like to donate, you can do so online, by CLICKING HERE.