Two young Amman Valley cancer sufferers have received a massive boost thanks to the generosity of the valley’s sporting fraternity.

Glanaman’s Hannah Poole and 19-year-old Gareth Elward, from Garnant, were each presented with a cheque for £1,500 following a charity match, party and auction held at Amman United RFC on March 14.

Hannah, who is aged just three, is currently receiving treatment for Type B leukaemia while Gareth is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The match, organised by United’s Gavin Lewis and his ex-Army pal Craig Parslow saw the Amman take on Craig’s Aberdeen Rugby touring side, with former Wales wizard Shane Williams making his first ever appearance alongside younger brother Dean.

Gavin’s partner Hayley organised the after-match fundraising party and auction and declared the event a massive success.

“It was a great result,” said Hayley. “We raised £3,000 which we split between Gareth and Hannah while the boys from Scotland raised another £1,000, which was donated to Cancer Research.

“Gavin and Craig have remained great friends since they were in the Army together.

“They both lost their fathers to cancer at an early age so it is a cause very close to both their hearts.

“They decided to organise a charity match to help raise whatever money they could.

“It seems that everyone has a family member who has suffered from the disease so everybody was only too happy to help.

“It is all the more heartbreaking when cancer affects people as young as Hannah and Gareth - we wanted to show them both that the whole community is behind them.”

Hayley wished to thank Amman United RFC for hosting the event and Peepshow for performing free of charge.

She also wished to thank everyone who kindly donated items for the auction – and those who bid.

As for the match, Amman ran out 75-7 winners.