An “exceptional” £4,600 was raised for Motor Neurone Disease Association on a day of big emotion at Cheltenham Tigers.

Cheltenham’s former player Mike Crisp was diagnosed with MND in October last year and a game between Cheltenham Veterans and Cheltenham Civil Service Veterans kick-started an afternoon of fundraising at The Newlands.

A further £2,500 was raised for Crisp’s 18-month-old son Freddie with the money to be put in a trust fund for him.

“The money raised was exceptional,” said Cheltenham chairman Steve Ratcliffe. “We must have had a crowd of about 400 to 500. We held an auction to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the money for Freddie was raised through programme sales, a raffle and donations.”

Crisp, a fly-half, was a major player for Cheltenham back in the day coming through the junior ranks before establishing himself in the 1st XV. Many of his former team-mates strapped on their boots to take part in the veterans’ game which the home side won 52-17.

“Players like Jamie Arthur, Matt Mudway, Phil Stanlake and Shaun Gilder all turned out,” said Ratcliffe. “A lot of players supported the day and among those watching were Malcolm Preedy, Derrick Morgan, John Morris and Mike Steele.”

A recent golf day at Brickhampton raised £9,000 for the MNDA and Ratcliffe said his club would continue to support Crisp and his family in any way they could.

The club has started a Tigers Cub section for three to five year olds this season and Freddie has already been given a kit. He has also been given membership of the club until he is 21.

“It’s a horrendous disease but Mike and his family have remained very positive in these difficult times,” added Ratcliffe.

The veterans’ game preceded a Western Counties North game against Midsomer Norton which Cheltenham won 31-10. That in turn was followed by a Championship South Division clash between Cheltenham Ladies and Thorrock Ladies which the hosts won 34-15.