Rugby lovers are being urged to take part in a charity match in support of two players' children who have tackled health problems since they were born.

Crusaders Rugby Club, in Little Melton, will hold the 'Oldies against the Young Ones' fundraising event on May 19 in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each).

The charities, among others, have supported club members Edward Wood and Paul Robinson and their families ever since their sons were born.

Mr Wood's son Oliver, who will be two next month, was born with two holes in his heart and had to undergo a heart transplant at Great Ormond Street.

Meanwhile, Mr Robinson's son, two-year-old Jackson has autoimmune entreropathy, a rare condition that occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the intestinal wall and affects the way it absorbs.

The charity match comes after a season-long bucket collection at Crusaders matches, which has so far raised more than �622.

Maurice Durrant, events coordinator, said: 'It's nice for them to have a bit of backing and to know the club is thinking of them.'

The charity match will start at 3pm and is open to anyone who wants to take part.

There will also be a raffle and barbecue on the day. It is hoped it will take the club's fundraising total to �1,000.

Crusaders prop Mr Wood, 30, who lives off Eaton Road, in Norwich and is a teacher at Taverham Hall School, said: 'It's really kind of them. It's a good club and it's fantastic to have that support.'

Karen Robinson, 33, from Sprowston, whose husband Paul has played for the Crusaders since he was a teenager, said: 'It's brilliant that people can support us like that.

'It's really stressful having poorly children and knowing people care about you is huge.'

Anyone who would like to play in the game should contact Mr Durrant by emailing maurice.durrant459@btinternet.com or people can support on the day at the club's ground in Beck Hythe, Little Melton.

Are you holding a fundraising event? Email reporter Kate Scotter on kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.