A fundraising day next summer will
be held to raise money for the family of tragic Sheppey rugby
player Steve Croall.

A time and place has yet to be decided for the event, but money
will be donated to the Croally Croall Trust Fund set up in the
28-year-old’s memory.

The brainchild of his younger brother Aston, the fund will
benefit the three children Steve leaves behind.

A Facebook page, Croally Croall Trust Fund, has been started for
friends to discuss possible activities for the event.

Aston said plans were at an early stage, but ideas put forward
so far include a 40/40 rugby match, a sponsored shave, a kids’
coaching session with Harlequins players and a bouncy castle.

The page has already attracted more than 300 friends.

Aston, who plays for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, has
started the ball rolling by undergoing a sponsored beard grow.
Steve was found dead at a business premises in Bromley on Monday,
July 25.

An inquest into his death was held at Croydon Coroner’s Court on
Tuesday last week when coroner Dr Roy Palmer recorded a verdict of
suicide.

Steve’s parents, Stephen and Carolyn, were in court to hear the
verdict.

Former Minster College pupil Steve had been cited as one of main
reasons for Sheppey’s promotion to the London 3 South East division
last season.

The born-and-bred Islander, described as generous, outgoing with
a heart of gold, played for Sheppey until he was 17.

He left to pursue a career which saw him play regularly in the
second and third tiers of the national game.

In 2009, he rejoined his local club from National 1 side
Cambridge after two spells at Westcombe Park and time at London
Welsh and Rotherham, whom he helped gain promotion to the Guinness
Premiership.

For fundraising information visit Facebook