A BARROW rugby team is going all out to raise funds for a disabled-friendly minibus.

Hindpool Tigers are organising a fundraising match against the Rugby League All Stars this June in the hope of raising£8,000.

The Rugby League All Stars is a team of high-profile ex-rugby league players including names like Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe.

In addition to the main event itself, the club will be hosting a junior rugby league festival on the morning of the event.

Hindpool Tigers chairman Graham Shaw said: “This year we are raising money for Barrow Island Primary School so they can adapt one of their minibuses to make it wheelchair-friendly so my son and others like him can attend school trips, along with their friends, offering them some much-needed independence.

“We buy a special kit for our charity games and last year we wore blue, rather than our usual black and amber, while raising money for the Wildcats Wheelchair Sports Club.

“The added twist this year is we are running a competition in Barrow Island school for the children to design our kit.

“We will then take the designs back to our panel of judges, who will pick a winner, which will be produced and worn on the day.

“The winner will receive a specially made shirt to keep and a goodie bag.”

The fundraising cause of the event is particularly important for Mr Shaw and his wife Lauren Shaw, as their six-year-old son, Bobby, has Cerebral Palsy, which requires him to use a wheelchair.

He said: “Barrow Island School has done so much for my son.

“They’ve been absolutely brilliant right from the start.

“However, we want him to be able to go on the trips alongside his friends on the bus instead of in a separate car.

“I suggested the idea to the team about raising money for a wheelchair-friendly bus and everyone was really keen to get involved.”

The community is urged to support the fundraiser by attending the event on Saturday June 29.