A charity rugby match has given members of Kenilworth Rugby Club the chance to celebrate the life of a former teenage player who died of cancer earlier this year.

Jess Pardo, who joined Kenilworth Women in February 2020 passed away on January 23 2021 at the age of 18, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Due to rules about her age and the coronavirus pandemic Jess never played a competitive game for the club, and whilst she was only a member for less than a year she made a lasting impression on her teammates.

Having waited until the RFU allowed full contact rugby again, Kenilworth Women hosted a charity match against Crewe and Nantwich in Jess' memory on August 21.

The game began with a minutes applause, cheers and noise, a nod to Jess' funeral where friends were asked to line the streets to clap as the hearse drove past.

A BBQ, refreshments and the bar were then available for the rest of the day.

Jess' mum Sarah Alvarez said: "It was a great but unwanted day.

"Thank you to everyone who came and showed their support and to the club for organising. We were made to feel so welcome and the amount that was raised was fantastic."

The match raised over £575 for Shine A Light Support Services, a Coventry-based charity which helped Jess and her family in the final weeks of her life.

Shine a Light supports young people and families in Coventry and Warwickshire who have been affected by cancer. Its services include home visits, counselling sessions, social events, holistic therapies and much more.

The money raised by Kenilworth Women will go towards organising group activities for the charity's young people and teenagers.

Speaking after the game club chairwoman Caz Spence added: "Jess was a talented young player and it was a real pleasure to know her during her short time at Kenilworth.

"We were devastated to lose her so soon but it was an honour to play in Jess' name in front of her family and friends, while raising awareness for the amazing work that Shine A Light Support Services do day in day out.

"A huge thank you to everyone who came out to show their support for Jess."

Kenilworth Women's Rugby Club will play on September 18, a week before their first competitive match since early 2020 on September 25 where they will be travelling to Newcastle to play Novocastrians.