BULLMAN LEADS CHARGE FOR BONE MARROW DONORS

Bradford Bulls mascot Bullman will take to the field himself this Sunday, helping to raise awareness of the need for more people to join the stem cell/bone marrow register.

He will be part of a Rycroft XIII taking on BARA – the British Asian Rugby Association on Sunday, in a game of Rugby League in memory of Rycroft Alport Foster, who died in June aged just 16 months. 

Former Bradford Northern players Jon Hamer and Joe Pitts will be in the Rycroft XIII camp, and a good afternoon’s rugby is expected; the game will kick off at Odsal Stadium at 1pm, as a curtain raiser for the BetFred Championship game between Bradford Bulls and York Knights. 

Rycroft’s father, Andrew Foster said: “We are desperate to increase people’s knowledge of what they can do to help other little children like Rycroft, so more of those children go home to their families, happy and healthy.” 

“We have found that many people don’t know very much about being a bone marrow donor – don’t realise only a cheek swab is needed initially, don’t know that 16-30 years old is the optimal age to join the register, don’t know that we have only a third of the number of people on the register as Germany, even after adjusting for population” 

“We’re hoping to make people more aware, so they can make informed decisions. Most people we have spoken to are really keen to help, but had never considered being on the stem cell/bone marrow register before. 

BARA Rugby CEO, Dr Ikram Butt said: “This match is more than a display of sportsmanship; it's a call to action. The event shines a light on the urgent need for increased stem cell and bone marrow donors, a cause that we're committed to championing not just in the immediate aftermath of loss but for years to come.  

“As we come together on the field, we also stand united in our mission to make a difference—raising awareness, inspiring donors, and strengthening a community of support. Let's rally behind BARA, Andrew Foster and Rycroft XIII as they embody the spirit of resilience and change.” 

You can support fundraising efforts to remember Rycroft at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Rycroft-rugby.