By Callum Ellis
Bedwas RFC have offered their support to the NHS to help the fight against coronavirus.
The club, like many others across Wales, are going through a period of uncertainty after closing their doors until further notice because of the pandemic.
But, with growing concerns that hospitals could run low of oxygen for coronavirus patients, the club have returned their medical gas canisters to their supplier.
The WRU National Championship outfit, who saw their season brought to an immediate halt after the Welsh Rugby Union cancelled all league and cup competitions due to Covid-19, have also loaned out their defibrillator to the club’s doctor Alun Edwards.
The Bridgefield-based side have been fundraising to pay for the damage caused by Storm Dennis, which has been compounded by the closure of the clubhouse because of the crisis.
They have received a hardship payment of £1,000 from the WRU to combat the financial impact of the coronavirus.
But they are still pledging to support the NHS during these difficult times and are calling on other clubs to do the same.
“When the coronavirus outbreak started, our medical gas supplier BOC reached out to us as a costumer,” said Bedwas RFC director, Will Rees.
“They asked if we were able to return our canisters because they are in short supply by the NHS.
“As the WRU cancelled the season and there’s no rugby on, we’re more than happy to help and lend those out.”
Volunteers at the club are continuing to refurbish the clubhouse, which was severely impacted by the flooding during the storm.
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And they are hopeful that the work will be completed by the time the new season rolls around in September.
Rees added: “It’s been fairly quiet since we’ve had to close down the bar and the functions on that side of the business, as well as the rugby.
“But we’ve been continuing with the work down the club to refurbish the lounge after the flooding and that’s progressing well thanks to the volunteers.
“It’s been a quiet time and hopefully we’ll be back to it in September.
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