He and his wife Yolanda were at every Barnes RFC first XV match home and away, regardless of whether their son Jack was playing hooker that day. They were very much part of the club and the rugby family.

“Garry was struck down by Covid-19 and never recovered," said Michael Whitfield club chairman.

"We wanted to remember a lovely club man and created The Big Barnes RFC 1 Million Kgs Lift  which is about raising money for our wonderful NHS to honour him. We are doing this for Garry, his family, for rugby and for the NHS.”

The Big Barnes RFC 1 Million Kgs Lift, which takes place this Saturday 2 May, has already raised over £15,000 against the initial £10,000 target, and everyone in Garry’s club is taking part from the minis to the first XV and from social members to coaches.

Michael added: “Rugby is a close knit family, and the support we are seeing from past and present players is amazing. It includes video tributes from Danny Care, Brad Barritt, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Jonny Wilkinson. Kyle Sinckler, John Smit, Will Greenwood, Chris Robshaw and Jason Leonard to name but a few - and the number is constantly increasing.

“Anyone can take part, you don’t need weights, you can lift anything, a kilo of sugar, a litre of water or even a bag of potatoes - together we want to lift over 1 Million Kgs off the floor and raise money for NHS Charities. It only costs £10 to register, which you pay via the donation site”.