It is always tough writing these emails. As you know I am currently in and out of the UK, but my phone rang last week in the USA and as a result I need to reach out to all of you.

Shaun Barns was a player here who returned to his native NZ three years ago. Unfortunately, my phone call informed that Shaun is currently very unwell there and he and his family are feeling the pressures of the medical treatment he has been receiving which is not covered by state health. Whilst he was with us, he was hugely popular, not only as a player with the strollers, but also as a parent in the mini and youth sections, as well as a much loved member of the kiwi community.

His family here were involved with the New Zealand Defense department. The New Zealand Comission have responded by setting up a fundraising evening with Kiwi rugby legend Sean Fitzpatrick ONZM. This evening will be held on Wednesday March 21st in the Penthouse of New Zealand House on the Haymarket. Tickets for this event will be sold at £30 a head. I will let you know as soon as tickets are available.

What can you do? They are looking for any prizes that people are ready to offer out to the event. The email of the business coordinator there, Rachel Mapp, is copied in above - however feel free to email me and her with anything you would like to donate.

It is highly anticipated that this event will sell out. In light of that - I am in talks with the Chairman John Woods about a possible additional event at Barham Road - as it is likely we will have a surplus of prizes.

As a club and a community, we at Wimbledon are known to be tight, especially with our New Zealand cousins. At times like this we come together brilliantly and I know that this time will be no different. I will look to ensure that I get the details of the fund raising link for people to donate to and I will send that out.

Shaun is a cracking chap with a young family - who whilst he was here in Wimbledon gave an awful lot to our community. I look forward to us sharing that love back at this difficult time.

If anyone has any questions - please feel free to contact me.

As ever, big love

Badger