Andy Lynch: We'll Win It For The Troops

Hull FC captain Andy Lynch admits hearing the tales of courage and bravery from those serving in the Armed Forces will serve as an inspiration to his Black and Whites side this weekend.

Lynch and his teammates will take on Huddersfield Giants at the KC Stadium on Sunday in a fixture chosen as the club’s charity game for 2012, with Help for Heroes acting as FC’s charity of the year this season,

With a particular focus on Phoenix House – a Catterick-based personal recovery centre to help wounded, injured and sick members of the Armed Forces launch into the next phase of their lives – Lynch says it is hard to find a more deserving cause.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few people from Help for Heroes this year, including some of those serving with the Catterick Garrison and recuperating at Phoenix House, and their tales of courage are simply astonishing,” said the Hull skipper, who will also welcome half a dozen injured servicemen to the club’s training ground on Saturday.

“They are very humble about their achievements and their sacrifices and it is a pleasure to speak to them. Everybody in the Armed Forces does a magnificent job, but it’s easy to take their work for granted until you get the chance to meet them.

“It is speaking to these guys which really puts life into perspective and makes you realise just how lucky we are to be healthy and at home with our families. We sometimes think playing rugby is a tough job, we get battered and bruised each week, but it’s nothing compared to what these people go through.

“They are an inspiration to us all and hopefully we can take to the field in our charity kit on Sunday and do them proud.”

And with Sunday’s match also falling on Armed Forces Weekend – a national scheme that will see a series of fundraising events held across the country – Lynch has also thrown his support behind the concept.

“I think it’s a great idea for everybody to get behind the Armed Forces for a weekend and show our appreciation about what they do for us all each and every day. It’s the least these brave men and women deserve and I know all the players are honoured to be playing our own small part,” said Lynch.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of troops and their families coming to the game on Sunday and hopefully we can put in a good performance for them. I know there are also a lot of people from Hull and surrounding areas who are currently overseas serving their country at present, but would be at the KC Stadium cheering us on if they could.

“Hopefully letting them know that they are serving as an inspiration to us and that they are in our thoughts can give them a little bit of comfort and make them feel that bit closer to home.”

Photo credit: SWpix.com