A FUNDRAISER in the name of a Penrith rugby player who tragically passed away has amassed over £50,000 in donations in less than a week.
Ryan Johnson, who played for Penrith Rugby Club, passed away on December 1 while training at the club, at the age of 34.
Ryan had also worked as an on-call firefighter in Penrith after joining the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in June 2018.
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
Scott Rattray, set up a GoFundMe page in memory of his late friend and to support Ryan's wife and two children with funeral costs and other financial burdens at this incredibly difficult time.
An initial target of £2,000 had been set for the page, but this was quickly exceeded with over £40,000 being raised in just three days.
One anonymous user generously donated £2,033 in support of Ryan's loved ones.
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page set-up in Ryan's memory now sits at £53,166 after being created on December 2.
To donate to the fundraiser in Ryan's name, visit www.gofund.me/53285a3e
READ MORE: Over £40,000 raised in 3 days for the family of the late Penrith rugby player
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