Collections taken following the shock death of “gentle giant” Richard Atkinson in January have been split between the Keswick and Corstorphine rugby clubs.
Devoted family man Richard, 56, was taken ill at Keswick Rugby Club before the start of the match on Saturday 4th January, and died at the clubhouse despite paramedics and air ambulance crews battling to save the father-of-three.
As well as being a long-serving former player, club captain and chairman, Richard was a leading light in Keswick RFC’s 40-year relationship with Corstorphine RFC in Edinburgh, with annual fixtures played for the Corwick Trophy.
Richard and his wife Fon had made many long-term friendships with Corstorphine players and their families over the years. There was a large contingent from the Scottish club at his funeral held in St John’s Church in Keswick, including a piper who played the bagpipes as Richard’s coffin was taken out of the church and when leaving the rugby club following the wake.
Some £1,944 was collected in memory of Richard, and this has been split equally between the Keswick and Corstorphine rugby clubs.
