A charity has raised over £60,000 for young people at its annual fundraising event at the Concorde museum.
Star*, which began at Chew Valley Rugby Club, raises money to support young people that have had adverse childhood or community experiences (ACEs).
The star* scheme has now spread to 130 clubs across England, Wales and Australia, supporting over 600 young people, since its launch in December 2020.
Star* works to support clubs to identify young people in their communities who have ACEs and provide them with access to rugby. They aim to remove the barriers to participation in grassroots rugby by providing kit, transport and access to training.
“Star* is about using community to empower community, and making a difference to young people and families through the relationships they form,” said Managing Director Christian Lang.
“Rugby is the perfect place because of the respect model that rugby is built on. So it’s not uncommon in rugby for people who can’t find a place anywhere else to find a place in rugby,” he added.
In a video shown on the night, Dr Nicholas Garrick explained how people with ACEs are more likely to commit suicide, and how if someone has four or more aces, they are 85% more likely to die from a terminal illness.
However, he emphasised that ACEs can be mitigated through sustained positive experiences.
The charity auction, which took place on Thursday 21 November, was held at Aerospace Bristol, home to the last Concorde to be built and flown.
Guests were treated to a three course meal and a walk through the iconic plane, before being asked to open their wallets to support the fundraiser.
Items on auction ranged from rugby memorabilia such as signed rugby balls, kicking masterclasses and even a signed England rugby shirt from the 2003 World Cup winning squad.
There was also a short panel with rugby stars Rocky Clark and Gareth Chilcott alongside James Stewart, a young person who has been supported by star* who shared his story and explained how the scheme has helped him.
