ROBERT Turner and his team mates in the Rylands Sharks under 13s rugby team pledged to play their hearts out in memory of his older sister - and won the game 16-0.

The young team, still hurting from the news of 15-year-old Natalie's death just days before, said that every try and every goal they scored against opponents Royton Tigers from OIdham would be in her memory.

Robert and Natalie's mum Rose said: "Natalie always used to come with us when we went to watch Robert play. She loved to be part of the club, and I think that is why her death has affected so many people."

Natalie's death at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool last week came as a shock to friends and family. She had been diagnosed with leukaemia in August and put on a two year course of treatment.

Rose added: "The game was already arranged, but the lads all agreed that they should play in memory of Natalie. It was beautiful, a really lovely thing to do. Every time one of them got a try they came up to Robert and said 'that was for Natalie'. The referee donated his fee to charity, and at the end of the match they donated the ball to Robert."

Dad Terry added: "The lads played rugby like they had never played before. They didn't put a foot wrong. They haven't done very well this season, but on Saturday it was like I was watching a different team."

Natalie, a pupil at Green Lane Special School, was also a keen guide and loved music as well as rugby. The family received more than 165 cards following her death.

A charity evening organised before Natalie's death at the Rylands Recreation Club to raise money for Green Lane and Alder Hey will still be going ahead.

"I chose to support Green Lane as well because there will be more Downs Syndrome children coming along who will need the special help the teachers there can provide," said Rose."If we can get something good out of Natalie's death it will make things easier. She had a lovely life, and I have told the people attending the funeral that I don't want them to mourn. Her life should be celebrated."

Alison Metcalfe at the club said: "You couldn't ignore Natalie, she was a bright, sunny, happy girl. The lads played their hearts out for her on Saturday."

Natalie's funeral took place at Christ Church, Padgate, on Wednesday. The charity night takes place on October 29.

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