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More than £3,200 and counting has been raised through a touch rugby tournament held in memory of two young rugby players.

Rhydian Poole of Blackwood RFC and Ieuan Strutt of Penallta RFC were both described as “larger than life characters” by their mums.

Despite that appearance on the outside, Rhydian took his life aged just 18 in 2020 and Ieuan just 17 that same year.

It prompted their mothers, Paula Poole and Clare Jackson, to begin raising money through charity events in honour of their sons.

The now-annual event, held at Blackwood RFC, returned to the club on Saturday June 8.

The event supports Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity for young people.

While the total amount raised this year has yet to be confirmed, the amount confirmed so far takes the tally raised over the years to nearly £20,000.

The fundraiser involves a dozen or so teams from around the borough coming together for a day of touch rugby. It’s one of several charity events Blackwood RFC holds every year.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer ahead of this year’s event, Paula Poole said: “It’s a lovely family day to try and raise awareness and money for Papyrus.

“We want to keep the memories of Ieuan and Rhydian alive. We don’t want any other family feeling how we feel – if we can help just one person or if one person speaks out then we have done a really good job.”

Alfie Strutt, Ieuan’s younger brother, has received recognition for his efforts to raise money for Papyrus.

Last month, Alfie was presented with the Young Fundraiser of the Year award by charity 2Wish Cymru, at its award ceremony at the ICC Wales in Newport.

He was presented with his award by 2Wish founder Rhian Mannings MBE and television presenter Nick Knowles.

Alfie and Ieuan’s mother, Clare Jackson, said: “This award is very special as Alfie has a lot of special needs. He is a pupil in Trinity Fields Resource Centre, Ystrad Mynach.

“He is on the ASD spectrum and has a lot of medical issues which he deals with head-on, on a daily basis.”