Doncaster Rovers will remember local footballer Richard Hawcroft at this Saturday’s match.
The match at the Keepmoat this Saturday against local rivals Barnsley will be in memory of Richard Hawcroft, a close friend of Andy Butler who recently passed away. To celebrate the life of Rick there will be a minutes applause on the 8th minute of the match.Richard Hawcroft, aged 31, who played for FC Real Bridge, tragically lost his life after falling ill during a pre-season friendly game between Real bridge and Balby Rovers. He was attended to at the scene by Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
Rick came up through Scunthorpe United’s youth team, alongside best friend Andy Butler.
“I’ve known Rick since I was 4 years old,” says Andy Butler.
"We went to the same school, played against each other in Sunday league football before spending two years together at Scunthorpe. I was also best man at his wedding last year.
“Rick was a true friend who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Whenever I scored a goal he would always text me saying ‘shock it was your massive swede again!’ There hasn’t been a day gone by when I haven’t missed him or speaking to him."
Brooke Hawcroft, daughter of Rick will be Saturday’s matchday mascot and will lead the teams out onto the pitch at kick off.
Also on Saturday, the Black Bank will be organising a collection to raise vital funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to help them continue to save lives across Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance provide a life saving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across the whole of Yorkshire. For more information please visit www.yaa.org.uk
Doncaster Rovers recently announced that in a Yorkshire first, Rovers and rivals Barnsley have agreed to drop ticket prices when the sides meet on Saturday and adults can attend for just £20, enabling fans to attend more games at affordable prices.
Full ticket prices are listed below:
Adults £20
Senior £14
17-21 £10
Under 16 £5
Under 12 £1
Call 01302 762576 to buy your ticket now or buy online by clicking here.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Rick in a minutes applause on the 8th minute of Saturday’s match.
#RememberRick