THE Exeter Chiefs Foundation has handed over a cheque in the sum of £13,000 to representatives of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital Charity.

The money was raised from a week-long Online Auction, run by the club’s official charity, which saw numerous signed memorabilia collected by the club over the years put up for sale.

Signed shirts, training tops, together with international kit and shirts from rival clubs, were among the many items on offer.

Not surprisingly, all 60 items were bid on, helping to raise the £13,000 for the #HelpUsHelpYou appeal.

Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, added: “As a charity and as a club, we’re delighted that we have been able to help raise this money for the #HelpUsHelpYou appeal.

“In these difficult times, I think it’s imperative that we do our utmost to support those people and those charities that are working on the frontline. For us, the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is at the forefront of helping to fight this outbreak, so it’s brilliant that not only the Foundation, the Chiefs, but our supporters, and supporters of rugby from all parts of the world have been able to raise such a brilliant sum of money.”

Ian Roome, Head of Fundraising at the RD and E Charity, added: “We are extremely grateful to Exeter Chiefs and everyone who has contributed to this outstanding achievement.

“This amount of money for our #HelpUsHelpYou appeal will make a huge difference to our staff and help us to support their physical and mental well-being during this difficult time.Thank-you again to everyone involved.”

In a special, socially-distanced presentation carried out at Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs, England and British Lions star Jack Nowell handed over the cheque to Ian Roome and Debbie Allen from the RD and E Charity.