A FUNDRAISER in the name of a Penrith rugby player who tragically passed away has amassed over £40,000 in donations within the course of just three days.
Ryan Johnson, who played for Penrith Rugby Club and was the former first-team captain, passed away on December 1 while training at the club, at the age of 34.
Tragically, Ryan leaves behind a wife and two children.
Scott Rattray, Ryan's friend, set up a donation pot to try raise funds from his friends and the wider rugby family to help towards his funeral costs - with the hopes of alleviating some of the financial burden from his family at what is undoubtedly, a truly difficult time.
An initial £2,000 target was set on the GoFundMe but was quickly exceeded, showing the true extent to how revered Ryan was within the community.
Ryan was also an on-call firefighter in the town.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague Ryan Johnson on 1 Dec 2022.
— Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (@CumbriaFire) December 5, 2022
Ryan joined CFRS in June 2018 as an On-call Firefighter at Penrith. He will be missed by many across the Service, especially those who were privileged to work alongside him. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/jdbRYGKPwb
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President of Penrith Rugby Club, Charles Graves described Ryan as a man with a 'big heart' dedicated to both his club and family.
"Ryan was a big man with a big heart, and someone who I knew well enough to appreciate his worth as a fine upstanding person, a caring human being, a loving husband, a doting father, a cherished son and a top class rugby player.
"Off the pitch he was your architital gentle giant, who was a generally mild mannered man, but when he had something to say we would all know that it would be something worth saying and something worth listening to. He was known for his dry one-liners and always had a smile on his face.
"Family life was uppermost for Ryan and a more dedicated husband and father you could not wish to see. It was rare that we saw him at the Club without one or both of his children and as a family they were a very active part of the Club.
"This [GoFundMe] is a sign of how much Ryan was loved and respected and on behalf of his family I would like to thank everyone that has contributed so far," he said.
To donate to the fundraiser in Ryan's name, visit www.gofund.me/53285a3e
READ MORE: Touching tributes shared after tragic passing of Cumbrian rugby player
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