A CHARITY rugby match was played in Rosyth last Saturday in support of a mum-of-three who is dying of cancer. 

At just 29, Kayleigh Rendall was given the devastating news that she had just 18 months to live. Her touching story was featured on the Press' front page last week.

To support the work of Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy where she receives treatment, her partner, Andrew Dick, and his rugby team-mates organised a fund-raiser that is expected to bring in £3,000. 

Mark Craigie, 28, childhood friend to Andrew and member of Fife Southern Rugby Club, told the Press: "It was a really positive day. A lot of people saw the front page of the paper and came down to support us so we were all really pleased. 

"I was dressed in a pink tutu and there was lots of mickey-taking from both teams. We're waiting for all the players to collect their sponsorship money but we're expecting to raise about £3,000. 

"Everyone was in good spirits and it was brilliant to see Kayleigh at the sidelines. We were able to make £1,300 just from people's loose change, a bouncy castle and a tombola. 

"We were all surprised too when a DJ turned up last-minute to donate his time."

The Fife team played in a 1980s-themed kit against Caledonian Thebans RFC who decided to dress up as dalmatians. The charity match at Harley Street was a chance for Andrew's team-mates to support the young family who are going through a journey nobody should have to go through. 

Just over a year ago, Kayleigh, from Lochgelly, went to the hospital concerned about irregular bleeding, but it wasn't until five months later that she was referred to a specialist.

It was confirmed then that she had cervical cancer with a tumour the size of an orange.

After various treatments, the family was eventually told in January that the cancer was terminal having spread throughout Kayleigh's system. 

Mark, a care support manager, added: "I want to school with both Andrew and Kayleigh and we all kind of grew up together.

"It's an absolute sin what that family are going through, especially when their children are so young. They're going through a tough time but we're going to try and make it easier for them. 

"There are even more tough times ahead but when it happens we will all be there. The rugby team are very close and we all have each others' backs.

"We all went to watch their son Hayden's first match playing for Dunfermline because Kayleigh couldn't be there. 

"He comes along to train with us and seems to really enjoy it. It's a great sport to get your frustration out. Even little Ollie, who's only two, carries his rugby ball around with him all the time! I don't think their daughter, Bethany, is too keen though!" 

In celebration of the young family, Fife Southern Rugby Club will hold a charity match every year after they were donated a trophy called the Kayleigh Rendell Shield, and proceeds will continue to go to the Victoria Hospice. 

Andrew Dick said: "We were really chuffed to see so many people on the day. We're extremely thankful to Mark and also Niall Henderson who put so much time and effort into organising the event."