Billy Boston 2007

chris ready pictured with rugby legend Billy b and local resident on a fundraising venture
Every little helps and when pensioner Elsie Pilkington donated £5 to a fund to send a local junior RL team to Russia, she received a surprise visitor to say thank you.



Kind-hearted Elsie got the shock of her life when she opened the door to Wigan legend Billy Boston.


The 73-year-old donated 5 to the appeal set up to raise cash to send New Springs Lions Under 14s Rugby Team to Russia to play in a tournament in May.


Billy has joined forces with former Central Park's favourite scrum-half Andy Gregory, to help boost the appeal.


Together with a host of other Wigan rugby favourites they're holding a sportsman's dinner to help raise some of the 6,000 costs.


Elsie spotted the story in the paper and contacted local councillor Chris Ready who is also helping organise the event and offered 5 of her widow's pension to help out.




Elise, of Fitzadam Street, Wigan, said: "I just wanted to do my bit."


Billy added: "I was only to glad to visit Elsie. Her gesture is amazing and typical of the generosity of Wigan people."


The sportsman's dinner will be held at New Springs Legion on April 29 starting at 1am. Signed shirts will be raffled off during the day.


Tickets are running out fast so contact Chris Ready for further details on 736 218 or e-mail c.ready@wiganmbc.gov.uk.


Chris said: "I visited Elsie to thank her personally and had a cup of coffee with her while she told me some interesting stories of her life. She told me that Billy Boston was her all time hero I contacted Billy and we paid a surprise visit."


The club are well on their way to meeting their total but are facing a tight deadline with the first match only weeks away.