A HEARTFELT fundraising event at Minehead Barbarians RFC has raised more than £12,000 for children’s healthcare in memory of much-loved youngster Joss Milton.

The charity day was held ahead of the Barbarians’ fixture against St Bernadettes,, with proceeds going to The Grand Appeal, the official charity for Bristol Royal Children's Hospital.

Joss, daughter of current player and Under-7s coach Luke Milton, passed away in June 2025 after a long stay in hospital following a rare cardiac condition. Saturday’s event was organised by Luke, his wife Teresa, and their daughter Lara, with support from volunteers and members across the rugby club.

While the Barbarians secured a comprehensive victory on the pitch, the biggest triumph came off it. With players from both teams wearing pink socks, alongside a hugely successful bake sale, raffle and auction helping raise over £12,000 on the day, with donations continuing to come in.

Funds raised will go directly to The Joss Milton STAR Fund, which splits donations between the hospital’s Dolphin Ward (cardiac ward) and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Local businesses and organisations generously donating prizes included Superstar Training Club, Rise Gym, Aardman Animations, Queens Arms Pitminster, The Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Westermill Farm, The Snug, Butlin's, Somerset County Cricket Club, The Castle Porlock, Porlock Weir Hotel, Faustos, Alainn Beauty, Natasha Kembrey Holistics, Brunt Cleaning Services, Slowley Farm, East Quay, Fortitude Gym, Steart Farm, Marks & Spencer, Min Sol, Cadbury, Minehead Complementary & Beauty Centre, At West, Horner Farm, Jubilee Café, Bake Me Crazy, The Old Library, Jewson, Ollie Parfitt, Lucy Tidmarsh, the Willes family, Jess Bishop, Hindon Farm, Cate Bohun, Jack Milton, Rich Binding, Dave Edwards, Gemma Allerton, Bath Rugby, Jack Leach, Megan Coles, Bidfood and Adidas (Phil Milton). Anyone wishing to donate can still do so via: [https://joss-milton.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Events/728630375](https://joss-milton.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Events/728630375)