England’s ‘chopping machine’ supports EACH at the Rugby World Cup

Ipswich’s Clip ‘n Climb is giving away £10 for every tackle England rugby player Lewis Ludlam makes at the World Cup, with the man himself deciding East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) should receive the money.

Clip n’ Climb let Ludlam know of its idea via Twitter last month, writing: “Hope all is going great in Japan and you are totally ready for your first match @LewisLudlam. Little challenge for you. We would love to give £10 for every tackle you make in this WC to your favourite local charity. You up for an easy challenge for England’s chopping machine?!”

Ludlam, 23, who was brought up and learned to play rugby in Ipswich, replied nominating EACH as the charity. He has a certain reputation when it comes to tackling, with one Twitter user pointing out the idea “could get expensive” for Clip n’ Climb!

The Northampton Saints flanker has gone on to rack up 21 tackles in four appearances against Tonga, USA, Argentina and Australia. His performances have attracted positive attention, with head coach Eddie Jones hailing him ‘one of the most impressive young forwards out there’. England face South Africa in the World Cup final at 9am on Saturday, live on ITV.

Vicky Matthews, EACH Suffolk Corporate Fundraiser, said: “It was a very exciting surprise to be notified of Lewis choosing EACH to benefit from this challenge that we’re obviously delighted Clip n’ Climb set up. We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income, needing to bring in over £6.4 million from fundraising every year, so any support in this respect is greatly appreciated. We constantly need to raise awareness, too, of course, and to receive the backing of someone like Lewis at the height of rugby fever is just fantastic.”

EACH offers care to 366 children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the region, as well as face-to-face support to 370 family members. It can take its service to family homes and hospitals, or deliver it at one of its three hospices in Milton, near Cambridge, Framingham Earl, near Norwich, and Ipswich. For more information about EACH visit www.each.org.uk.

There are more than 100 Clip n’ Climb centres in 35 countries across the world. Ipswich’s, based at Ransomes Europark, is the biggest of all. For more details go to https://ipswich.clipnclimb.co.uk.